DAVAO CITY—The Bureau of Immigration (BI) unveiled its state-of-the-art Document Examination Laboratory at the Davao International Airport (DIA) on March 21 here.
The anti-fraud section is the first of its kind in Mindanao
Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco led the launching attended by Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao and other key airport and embassy officials based in the region.
The new forensic document laboratory of the BI’s Anti-Fraud Section (AFS) is equipped with advanced tools, including a Video Spectral Comparator, forensic document microscope, and Retro Check.
Magno lauded the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) for launching the Anti-Fraud Section’s Document Examination Laboratory in Davao saying “This initiative will ease the burden of bringing the documents to NAIA for verification.”
“These cutting-edge equipment enable us to conduct comprehensive forensic document examinations, enhancing the bureau’s capability to detect and deter the use of counterfeit documents in border security processes,” said Tansingco.
The technologies in the laboratory can analyze documents at the microscopic level, allowing for the identification of subtle security features and irregularities. Also in the laboratory are machinery for ultraviolet and infrared light inspection.
Tansingco emphasized the importance of the laboratory in the southern region in strengthening border security measures.
“The launch of the new forensic laboratory shows the BI’s commitment to safeguarding national borders and protecting the integrity of immigration processes. By employing cutting-edge technology and expertise in forensic document examination, we strengthen our ability to detect and thwart attempts at document fraud,” the BI Chief stated.
In his speech, Magno said the newly opened laboratory will help BOI to double check the documents, it would also save time to verify the authenticity of the documents presented by the travelers.
“This initiative will ease the burden of bringing the documents to NAIA for verification,” he said.
Magno informed Immigration officials that OPAMINE will always be open for partnerships and coordination with anything that he can assist the agency.
BOI-DIA Terminal Head Eugene Ronald Go said that the establishment of the anti-fraud section will expedite the document examination to all intercepted and suspected fraudulent passports and other documents.
He added that DIA-BOI will also cater referral of document verification from other airports in Mindanao.
Also present during the event are BOI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, Anti-Fraud Section Acting chief Marivic Beltrano, Verification and Compliance Division Acting chief Atty. Zaniah Siton, Consulate General of Japan in Davao Ishikawa Yoshihisa, Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Davao Harya Sidharta, Deputy Consul General of China in Davao Jin Jun, and Consulate General of Malaysia in Davao Deddy Faisal.
