Here in the Philippines, illegal immigration in the form of foreigners pretending to be Filipino citizens is a growing problem. Recently in Laguna province, a Chinese national who pretended to be a Filipino was arrested by the authorities, according to a news report by GMA News.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…
A Chinese national allegedly posing as a Filipino was arrested in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, with authorities now investigating how he obtained a driver’s license from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) that was reportedly used in the deception.
According to a report on “24 Oras Weekend” by John Consulta, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-OTCD) implemented a deportation order and served a warrant at a residence in a subdivision in Sta. Rosa.
However, the target was not immediately found, and only a woman was initially encountered at the house.
Authorities later tracked down the suspect within the subdivision, where he was reportedly cornered while jogging. He allegedly tried to evade arrest but was eventually subdued by operatives.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the Chinese national was arrested for allegedly using falsified documents identifying himself as Filipino, including a Philippine-issued driver’s license.
Authorities also recovered his Chinese passport, which remains valid until 2027, along with the LTO-issued driver’s license.
While the surname on both documents matched, the driver’s license reportedly carried a Filipino-sounding first and middle name and listed the holder’s nationality as Filipino.
LTO chief Asst. Sec. Markus Lacanilao said a review of records showed the foreign national applied for a driver’s license that was later used in assuming a false Filipino identity.
The agency clarified that the document was not a conversion of a foreign driver’s license.
“This is not a conversion of a license. A foreign-issued license converted into a Philippine license—that is not the case,” he said.
Records also showed that the suspect first applied for a driver’s license in 2010 and renewed it in 2018 in Bulacan, where his nationality was listed as Filipino.
“They use Filipino names. They try to hide by pretending to be Filipino-Chinese, but they are actually Chinese nationals posing as Filipinos,” Lacanilao said.
The arrested foreign national is currently detained at the Bureau of Immigration detention facility. He has yet to issue a statement and is reportedly filing an appeal before the Department of Justice.
Authorities said a deeper investigation is ongoing, including a review of other documents that may have been issued to the suspect, and the possible cancellation of his driver’s license.
“(Revocation) is automatic. We will cancel his driver’s license, and the places where it was issued must also be investigated,” he said.
Lacanilao also warned that such documents may be used for acquiring properties, vehicles, and other fraudulent activities. Matibag said this scheme also poses national security concerns.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be several thousands more Chinese nationals who are living in the Philippines with false identities as Filipinos? Do you think all government agencies should be prepared to spot false documents from foreigners who intend to gain false Filipino identities? What do you think is the main reason why some Chinese nationals exerted efforts to gain Filipino identities?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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