BI warns public vs. fixers after arrest of fake employees in Quezon City

[Steve]

Quote

BI warns public vs. fixers after arrest of fake employees in Quezon City

MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday warned the public against dealing with fixers and unauthorized agents following the arrest of two individuals who falsely claimed to be BI employees.

According to reports, operatives of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit arrested the suspects in an entrapment operation inside Camp Karingal on Friday night. The two were accused of extorting money from a 43-year-old Korean national in exchange for the renewal of his working visa and Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR).

In a statement, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado confirmed that the identities of the arrested individuals have been verified and that they are not employees of the Bureau of Immigration.

“We commend the swift action of the QCPD in apprehending these individuals who misrepresented themselves as BI personnel,” said Viado. “We remind the public to remain vigilant and to never transact with fixers or unauthorized agents.”

Viado emphasized that all legitimate immigration services can be conveniently and securely availed through the Bureau’s online e-services portal at e-services.immigration.gov.ph or by visiting any of the more than 60 BI offices nationwide.

“The Bureau continues to promote transparency and integrity in public service,” he added. “We urge the public to report anyone posing as a BI employee or engaging in illegal activities in the name of the agency.”

The BI also encouraged other possible victims to come forward and report the incident to the police. 

 

[Mike J]

Wow, pretending to be a corrupt government employee.   No need to be actually be hired to skim the coffers.  Have to give them an A+ for creativity. 

[Gator]

1 hour ago, Steve said:

and to never transact with fixers or unauthorized agents.”

If you don’t “transact” with fixers then it’ll take three times as long and 6 visits to get anything done. I know it’ll never happen, but if they were more efficient, then fixers wouldn’t be needed. 

[BrettGC]

5 minutes ago, Gator said:

f you don’t “transact” with fixers then it’ll take three times as long and 6 visits to get anything done. I know it’ll never happen, but if they were more efficient, then fixers wouldn’t be needed. 

I suspect they make a distinction between fixers and licensed agencies.

I don't find BI too bad, but I guess that depends on the office you're using.  LTO on the other hand... Find me a fixer!

[Gator]

5 minutes ago, BrettGC said:

I don't find BI too bad, but I guess that depends on the office you're using.  LTO on the other hand... Find me a fixer!

I totally agree. Actually going to renew the registration on my Trailblazer today. There’s an emissions testing center that’ll handle it, so I guess I’m a way they could be considered as a fixer. 

[BrettGC]

1 minute ago, Gator said:

I totally agree. Actually going to renew the registration on my Trailblazer today. There’s an emissions testing center that’ll handle it, so I guess I’m a way they could be considered as a fixer. 

Our last registration, we had to wait 3 hours for the emissions testing, then a very cursory inspection by LTO staff when we went to pay for the registration.  Lights and horn, that was it, took about 30 seconds for the inspection, 2 hours to pay and walk out with a piece of paper.  

[Mike J]

13 minutes ago, BrettGC said:

I don't find BI too bad, but I guess that depends on the office you're using.  LTO on the other hand... Find me a fixer!

Last year the wife and I had to renew our driver license.  I ask the front desk how much was the fee.  She quoted two fees, one if we take the written test, a higher fee if one of the employees takes the written test for us.  

[OnMyWay]

14 hours ago, BrettGC said:

Our last registration, we had to wait 3 hours for the emissions testing, then a very cursory inspection by LTO staff when we went to pay for the registration.  Lights and horn, that was it, took about 30 seconds for the inspection, 2 hours to pay and walk out with a piece of paper.  

I'm spoiled here in SBMA. They renovated a very small testing station near me and enlarged it into a very large and modern facility.  Then SBMA LTO opened a small "registration only" suboffice in the same building with two clerks.  Usually 30 minutes for everything unless you go at a crowded time.  I have to at the end of the month.

 

Edited October 8 by OnMyWay

[Tommy T.]

I send L or a nephew to take care of rego renewals - haven't been to one personally for several years and I don't miss it!!!

And I finally got my plastic driver's license (good for 10 years!) about 1.5 years+ after I got my paper renewal... The LTO office was empty at 8am... that was enough of a shock that I almost needed a defibrillator! 

[Gator]

On 10/8/2025 at 9:12 PM, OnMyWay said:

I'm spoiled here in SBMA. They renovated a very small testing station near me and enlarged it into a very large and modern facility.  Then SBMA LTO opened a small "registration only" suboffice in the same building with two clerks.  Usually 30 minutes for everything unless you go at a crowded time.  I have to at the end of the month.

 

Looks like the one in  Angeles (Mabalacat) that opened in 2023. It’s where I took the trailblazer last year. Thorough inspection, LTO office on site, in and out in under 30 minutes. Probably the same owner.