FRAUDULENT PASSPORT. The Bureau of Immigration's forensic inspection reveals a fraudulent passport presented by a passenger claiming to be deaf-mute who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 at around 4 a.m. on Wednesday (October 4, 2023). The passenger also carried a Philippine postal ID, tax identification number ID, and Thai documents. (Photo courtesy: Bureau of Immigration)
MANILA – Personnel of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday detected a fake Philippine passport from a passenger who arrived at around 4 a.m. from Bangkok, Thailand and who claims to be deaf-mute.
In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said immigration officers found inconsistencies in the documents presented by Sengaloun Phimpa upon his arrival at the NAIA Terminal 3 from Bangkok, Thailand via Air Asia.
“We have reason to suspect that this man is pretending to be deaf-mute to avoid having to speak Filipino,” he said.
Phimpa's passport and documents were subjected to tertiary or forensic inspection, the BI noted.
"Forensic inspection revealed that Phimpa presented a fraudulent passport, with a counterfeit immigration stamp and Thai visa," it said.
Tansingco, meanwhile, lauded the stringent measures of the country's immigration officers.
“Immigration officers are given the tough job of border control and protecting the country from illegal aliens. The alertness of our personnel deserves commendation,” he said.
The passenger is subjected to investigation while awaiting the verification of his nationality.
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval told the Philippine News Agency that the passenger is now at the BI Warden facility in Bicutan, Taguig City.
Once found to be a foreigner, Phimpa will be placed under the custody of BI at Camp Bagong Diwa for the finalization of the deportation procedure, the statement added. (PNA)
