Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco shared his frustration over fake news about BI operations at the airports.
Tansingco lamented about posts circulating on social media on Sunday stating that there are only four immigration officers on duty despite long lines.
“We made efforts to ensure to maximize our manpower,” said Tansingco. “Posting inaccurate information only confuses the public and causes unnecessary panic to travelers,” he added.
He further appealed to the public not to post about BI’s airport operations without factual basis.
Tansingco shared that so far, they have received positive feedback on their operations, particularly during the peak season. He also encouraged travelers to post their experiences on social media for the public to see the various improvements made in airport operations.
“We are also using social media to post photos of our operations every two hours during weekends and holidays, to allow travelers to prepare should there be any congestion,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Tansingco shared that they are conducting pre-qualifying examinations for Visayas applicants at the Cebu Doctors University from May 5-7.
“We want to ensure that all qualified applicants from all parts of the country get a chance to apply for positions in the Bureau,” said Tansingco. “We only want the best of the best amongst our ranks,” he added.
BI appeals to public not to post fake news
The BI recently reported hiring 147 added immigration officers that are currently undergoing training under the Philippine Immigration Academy.
BI chief Tansingco also cautioned the travelling public against the circulation of fake Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Guidance and Counseling Program (GCP) certificates sold by scammers.
He issued the warning following the interception of two departing Filipinas carrying fake GCP certificates at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
The GCP is a required pre-departure seminar conducted by the CFO aiming to equip Filipinos in intermarriages and bi-national relationships with adequate information on the realities of cultural and social realities overseas.
The certificates purport to show that holders have attended the GCP and therefore can leave for abroad.
The passengers, who attempted to leave the country in two separate occasions, were intercepted by primary inspectors after suspecting the authenticity of the documents they presented. They were also unable to present the official digital copy of the certificate supposedly issued by the CFO.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.