Warsash supports Philippines Bureau of Immigration with VSC Technology
From: Foster+Freeman
Posted On: 17 Feb 2025
Opening of the 3rd Anti-Fraud Document Examination VSC Laboratory
At the close of 2024 the Philippines Bureau of Immigration’s Anti-Fraud Section (AFS) inaugurated a third cutting-edge document examination laboratory at Clark International Airport, following the opening of sister labs at Mactan-Cebu International Airport in June, and Davao International Airport in March.
The laboratories, part of a broader strategy to deploy anti-fraud capabilities at significant locations, utilise foster+freeman VSC technology to bolster fraudulent document detection capabilities, including advanced forensic analysis of watermarks, microprints, and other modern security features.
Warsash Scientific recently sent their Forensic Applications Specialist, Ryan Glover to assist in software training and continued maintenance of the VSC deployment.
Securing Borders
The inauguration ceremony opened with welcoming remarks from Terminal Head of Bureau of Immigration-CIA, Ma-an Krista T. Lapid, T, who underscored the Bureau of Immigration’s mission: “Our commitment is to advance forensic document examination, securing our borders against evolving threats.”
The acting AFS Chief, Marivic Beltrano, then highlighted the collaborative arrangement with the Australian government which, beginning in 2004, established the AFS to combat illegal migration, human trafficking, and terrorism. Beltrano stated, “ensuring safer borders is our core objective”, before noting the firm commitment to modernising border security tools and strategies that the expansion of the document examination laboratories represents.
The ceremony, which showcases the new VSC technology, was lead by Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, who praised the laboratory’s significance and noted the progress the AFS has made since it’s inception, growing from a single office to multiple facilities across the country:
“This laboratory marks a milestone in our efforts to secure our borders. With these cutting-edge tools, we are ensuring that no fraudulent document goes undetected. Our expansion demonstrates the bureau’s commitment to protecting the integrity of our immigration processes.”
Viado also expressed gratitude to the Australian government for its continued support, going on to commend the dedication of Clark International Airport’s Immigration Officers in maintaining border integrity.
The Australian Embassy’s involvement has been instrumental, providing specialized workshops and pocket training sessions. William Rivera, Chief Immigration Officer at the Australian Embassy, reiterated their commitment to knowledge-sharing initiatives, ensuring Philippine immigration personnel can detect fraud with precision.
Atty. Zaniah V. Siton, Acting Chief of the Verification and Compliance Division, stressed the evolving nature of border security challenges. “Those seeking to exploit vulnerabilities are becoming more sophisticated, but we are prepared”, Siton affirmed.
Looking Forward
The third new laboratory represents ongoing efforts to innovate, collaborate, and tackle the challenges of document fraud head-on. Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, CEO of Clark Development Corporation summarized: “this initiative reflects our collective resolve to uphold justice and ensure the integrity of our borders.”
LIPAD President and CEO Noel F. Manankil echoed the sentiment, thanking partners for their collaborative efforts: “this state-of-the-art facility strengthens our nation’s defences and signifies a more secure future for all.”
The new lab at Clark International Airport is a key step in the process of modernising the country’s border security infrastructure, and reinforces the Philippines’ dedication to combating document fraud and safeguarding it’s population and those who visit the country. During the ceremony, Commissioner Viado laid out plans to further enhance the Bureau’s capabilities, emphasizing the importance of passing the proposed BI modernisation law, and noting that this would enable the acquisition of additional devices for deployment across all major ports in the country, to ensure a secure and unified immigration system.
Warsash Scientific plays a critical role in assisting in deployment, training, upkeep and maintenance of these cutting-edge VSCs. With the technology continually evolving, keep up to date with the latest enhancements!
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