A NEW forensic laboratory recently opened in Clark, Pampanga would go a long way in thwarting counterfeit travel documents of inbound and outbound travelers, the Bureau of Immigration said yesterday.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the facility, which was formally opened last November 27, is part of the agency’s efforts to detect fraudulent documents and enhance the country’s border security.
“This laboratory marks a milestone in our efforts to secure our borders. With these cutting-edge tools, we are ensuring that no fraudulent documents go undetected,” he said.
“It will enhance our ability to detect counterfeit documents by enabling microscopic-level analysis, identification of subtle security features and other irregularities that indicate fraud or forgery,” he added.
The laboratory is equipped with a video spectral comparator, an IOM verifier and a forensic document microscope, among other state-of-the-art equipment for detecting fake immigration documents.
The facility, which will be operated by the agency’s Anti-Fraud Section, was made possible through the BI’s partnership with the Australian government stretching all the way to 2004 aimed at addressing the problem of illegal migration, drug trafficking and terrorism.
From a single office, Viado said the section now has multiple offices and facilities in Davao, Cebu and Pampanga.
