A 27-year old Filipina, who was headed to Hong Kong via Malaysia on Dec 30, was prevented from leaving the Philippines after she was discovered with a fake overseas work certificate (OEC).
According to a Bureau of Immigration statement, the aspiring overseas Filipino was intercepted in Terminal 3 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport when its joint system with Department of Migrant Workers identified her OEC as a fake.
The Filipina presented herself initially as an OFW and submitted a fake OEC. However, it was discovered that her supposed exit clearance had originally been issued to an OFW.
She claimed that she bought the fake OEC document from a man she met in Paranaque and was introduced by a friend. She paid Php10,000 to get the fake document.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado praised the interception and stressed the importance of technology to prevent illegal activities.
“Our joint verification system with DMW has proved crucial in detecting fraudulent documents.” The BI is committed to protecting Filipinos, and intercepting attempts to use fake OECs,” Viado said.
“I urge the public to use proper channels to process their documents to avoid being scammed,” he said.
Viado warned aspiring OFWs about the dangers of unlicensed recruiters and shortcuts when searching for a job overseas. To avoid scams, they should also check with the DMW about any job offers that they receive.
The passenger’s case has been referred to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for further investigation. Charges will be filed against her recruiter.
Source : SunWebHK
