City’s travel clearances not for sale

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government has warned the public of unscrupulous individuals allegedly selling fake travel clearances.

The city public information office yesterday posted an advisory on its Facebook Page to inform the public that the authority to travel is issued by the city government free of charge. 

The PIO issued the public advisory following reports that some unscrupulous individuals are faking the authority to travel and selling them to unsuspecting victims.  The city government reminded everyone to be vigilant and report immediately to the nearest police station any individual selling travel clearances from the city.

Emergency Operations Center (EOC) deputy chief implementer and Councilor Joel Garganera said some enterprising individuals were caught last month forging the signatures on the travel clearances and medical certificates.

“Naay mga enterprising diha sa port areas. In fact, last month naa koy gipadakop sa pier 1. Ilang i-forge ang mga clearances apil ang medical certification,” said Garganera.

“For all we know, daghan na sad. Wala nani nako matutuki because nisaka naman gud atong kaso,” Garganera added.

Waterfront Police Station chief Capt. Edgar Labe said they have not apprehended anyone faking travel clearances yet. He assured they will monitor possible fixers selling travel documents.

He recalled an incident involving teachers who were sent back from Dumaguete City after their travel documents were found to be fake.

Upon their return to Cebu City, the unnamed teachers were asked to identify the individuals who issued them the fake document but could not anymore identify.

Labe said that aside from faking documents, there are also individuals who offer passengers to buy tickets on their behalf and charge exorbitant amount for their service. — FPL (FREEMAN)