‘FAKE HUSBAND’ STOPPED FROM DEPARTING ON CHRISTMAS EVE

A  25-YEAR-OLD man was prevented from leaving the country by immigration personnel on Christmas eve after presenting fake documents.

The man, whose name was withheld in compliance with anti-trafficking laws, attempted to depart for Macau last December 24 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

He claimed to be traveling abroad to visit his alleged wife, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Macau.  He presented a marriage certificate to substantiate his claim, but officers noticed that the document he presented was counterfeit.

“We suspect he might be traveling after being illegally recruited to work abroad, hence the story and the fake document,” said Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco.

The man admitted to have bought the document on Facebook for P1,500, which he attempted to use to show to immigration.

Tansingco again warned aspiring OFWs not to agree to illegal schemes to work abroad.

“Despite the holiday season and the festive mood, our officers are not letting their guard down,” warned Tansingco.

The man was referred to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for further investigation and assistance.