Sigaw ng Young Guns: Imbestigahan!

PINAIIMBESTIGAHAN ng tinaguriang Young Guns ng Kamara de Representantes ang nadiskubre ng National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) na pagawaan ng pekeng birth certificate sa Davao del Sur, na ginagamit ng mga Chinese upang palabasin na sila ay Pilipino.

“Dapat walang pekeng Filipino,” deklara ng Young Guns.

Ayon sa ulat ng NBI, isang Chinese ang naaresto habang nag-aaplay ng pasaporte sa Davao City gamit ang pekeng dokumento.

Nagpahayag ng pagkabahala rito sina Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario, Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Jil Bongalon, La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega, 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez at Inno Dy V ng Isabela, at pinaiimbestigahan sa Kamara ang natuklasan ng NBI na may 200 pekeng birth certificate ang inisyu sa mga Chinese national ng local civil registry sa Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

“We must understand that a birth certificate is more than just a document; it symbolizes a Filipino’s connection to their country. It is the first official document that every Filipino receives as their birthright, establishing their official tie to the nation. This is not something that can be easily given, fabricated, milled or bought. Sa madaling salita, the Filipinos are not for sale. Dapat walang pekeng Pilipino,” ayon kay Almario.

“We need to strengthen our legislative framework to ensure rigorous verification processes are in place for the issuance of birth certificates. This includes enhancing the capabilities of local civil registries, implementing more robust checks and balances, and imposing severe penalties on those found guilty of facilitating such fraud,” dagdag pa ni Almario.

Ayon kay NBI SEMRO director Atty. Archie Albao, isang Hengson Lemosnero, na ang tunay na pangalan ay Hanlin Qiu, ay inaresto ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) office sa Ecoland, Davao City, matapos mag-apply ng Philippine passport gamit ang pekeng birth certificate.

Si Qui ay isa sa 200 Chinese nationals na nakakuha ng mga pekeng birth certificate mula sa municipal civil registry ng Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

“We are outraged by these reports. Ang nakakagalit at nakakalungkot pa dito, baka may links sa mga criminal and drug syndicates ang mga Chinese nationals na naisyuhan ng pekeng birth certificates,” ayon kay Khonghun, chairman ng House committee on bases conversion.

“They probably also found the easiest route to secure spurious documents to conceal their true identities and citizenship to continue their nefarious activities here in the country. Kailangan itong imbestigahan ng Kongreso,” dagdag pa nito.

Iginiit ni Adiong ang kahalagahan na makilala ang mga kasabwat ng mga Chinese kaya malakas ang loob ng mga ito na magpanggap na mga Pilipino.

“This discovery is not only unacceptable but an outright affront to our national security and sovereignty. The issuance of falsified birth certificates to foreign nationals compromises the integrity of our civil registration system, undermines the trust of the Filipino people, and poses a significant threat to national security,” paliwanag ni Adiong, chairman ng Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi rehabilitation and victims compensation.

“It is imperative that the House of Representatives launches an immediate and thorough investigation into this matter in aid of legislation to prevent such egregious breaches from recurring. Ipatawag natin ang buong tanggapan ng local civil registry ng Sta. Cruz,” dagdag pa ng mambabatas.

Ang panlolokong ito ayon naman kay Bongalon, isang abogado, ay nakalulungkot at isang kawalang respeto sa pagkakakilanlan ng tao.

“It raises serious questions about the safeguards in place within our local civil registries and highlights the urgent need for stricter oversight and accountability measures,” ayon kay Bongalon.

“The procurement of valid birth certificates must be fortified to prevent any exploitation by foreign infiltrators. Birth certificates are foundational documents that grant access to a range of rights and privileges, including citizenship, education and employment,” saad pa ni Bongalon.

“Allowing foreign nationals to illegitimately obtain these documents undermines the very fabric of our nation,” dagdag pa ng kongresista.

Ayon naman kay Assistant Majority Leader Ortega, ang mga Chinese na gumagamit ng mga pekeng dokumento, partikular na ang birth certificate, ay maituturing na banta sa seguridad ng Pilipinas.

“These individuals could potentially exploit their newfound status to engage in activities detrimental to our country, including espionage, economic sabotage and other criminal enterprises. The ramifications of such actions are far-reaching and could compromise our national defense, economy and public safety,” paliwanag pa ni Ortega.

“Moreover, the issuance of fraudulent birth certificates can facilitate a range of criminal activities, from identity theft to human trafficking and smuggling. These crimes not only endanger the lives and welfare of Filipino citizens but also tarnish our international reputation and relations,” ayon naman sa pahayag ni Gutierrez, na isa ring abogado.

Iginiit naman ni Dy na ang mga ganitong ulat ay hindi dapat ipinagsasawalang bahala, kaya’t dapat nang kumilos ang Kamara.

“This is a grave matter that demands immediate and resolute action. We owe it to the Filipino people to protect the sanctity of our civil registration system and safeguard our national security. Let this be a rallying call for vigilance, integrity and unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and sovereignty,” ayon kay Dy.

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