Ugandan denied entry to PH due to fake passport - BI

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) barred a citizen of Uganda from entering the Philippines on Thursday for allegedly presenting a fraudulent passport.

The BI identified the foreign national as Phiona Apolot, who arrived from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday night. She was immediately apprehended for possible irregularities in her passport.

Her passport was referred to the BI’s anti-fraud section, which confirmed that the document was fake after a forensic examination.

As a result, suspicions about Apolot's true identity and intention to visit the country were raised.

Apolot was scheduled to board the next available flight back to Malaysia.

"This incident serves as a stern reminder to all would-be offenders that our immigration officers are highly trained and equipped to detect and intercept individuals attempting to circumvent our immigration laws," BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement on Saturday.

''We will continue to enhance our efforts in collaboration with international partners to combat illegal activities and maintain the highest level of security.''  — Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News