The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has expressed concern over the use of authentic Philippine documents by undocumented foreign nationals after arresting a Chinese national who falsely identified himself as Filipino.
The BI apprehended Wu Zhishi along J. Pimentel Street, Barangay V in Daet, Camarines Norte, in coordination with government intelligence operatives, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission.
“This poses a risk to national security as these aliens embed themselves in society, potentially engaging in illegal activities while using someone else’s identity,” BI Chief Joel Anthony Viado said.
He urged government agencies to tighten safeguards in issuing IDs to ensure only legitimate Filipinos can obtain them.
Wu was reportedly using illegally acquired government-issued documents to claim Filipino identity in various dealings, including securing a firearm license. He presented an expired retiree’s visa card and denied the use of a fake identity.
He will be detained at the BI facility in Taguig while deportation proceedings are underway.
