DSWD warns vs ‘fixers’ offering travel clearance services

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has warned the public against unauthorized Facebook pages and groups offering to expedite the processing of travel clearances for minors traveling abroad.

In an advisory on the DSWD’s Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) Facebook page, the agency stressed that such Facebook pages and groups are not affiliated with them.

Such Facebook pages reportedly offer to streamline processes for flights, visas, tours, including travel clearances. 

“Mariin pong kinokondena ng DSWD ang mga FB pages at mga grupong nagpapanggap na konektado sa ating programa at nangangakong pabibilisin ang proseso ng pag-avail sa ating mga serbisyo,” said DSWD spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao in a statement on Tuesday.

(The DSWD condemns these Facebook pages and groups that pretend to be connected with our program and promise to expedite the process of availing our services.)

The DSWD warned that any information or messages coming from such Facebook grounds is not verified and may not be in line with the MTA’s policies.

It reminded the public that engaging with fixers is not allowed and may result in complications or invalid applications.

“Hindi po pinahihintulutan ang paggamit ng fixer sa anumang transaksyon sa DSWD. Hinihikayat po natin ang lahat na dumaan lamang po sa opisyal at tamang proseso upang masiguro ang maayos, ligtas, at lehitimong pagkuha ng travel clearance para po sa ating mga kasamang menor de edad,” Dumlao said.

(We do not allow engaging with fixers in any transactions with the DSWD. We encourage everyone to go through the official and right process to ensure that you get the travel clearance for minors the safe and legitimate way.)

She noted that the MTA has already streamlined its processes through its online application system, making it faster, more convenient, and hassle-free for clients. 

As of April 20, a total of 12,721 applications have been approved and issued in 2026, of which 12,685 are for travel clearances and 36 are for certificates of exemption using the online system.

Applicants can now process their travel clearance online, provided that they submit complete and correct documentary requirements.

To avoid delays, the MTA advised applicants to submit their travel clearance applications at least 30 days before their scheduled flight.

The public may coordinate with the MTA through the following official communication channels:

• Viber: +639451604534
• Landline: 8951-7440/8951-7438
• DSWD WiServe: 09189122813
• Mobile hotline: 09171105686/09178272543
• Hotline: +63277090144
• Email: grievance_cpomta@dswd.gov.ph, and 
• MTA Call/Chat Support: https://mta.dswd.gov.ph/Home/

— JMA, GMA News