Japanese national arrested for fake visa extension stamps on passport

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The Bureau of Immigration arrested Monday a Japanese national after he was caught with fake visa extension on his passport.

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. identified the Japanese national as Hidenobu Yuzawa, 38.

Yuzawa went to the bureau’s main office in Intramuros, Manila to have his stay extended.

Yuzawa’s application for extension of stay was, however, rejected after personnel at the BI visa extension section discovered two fake visa extension stamps on his passport.

He was then endorsed to the BI intelligence division, charged with immigration law violation at the legal division and committed to the BI detention center in Bicutan, Taguig.

Yuzawa, meanwhile, explained that a travel agent helped him extend his visa.

David said foreigners can avoid the scheme by personally extending their visas at the BI or by engaging travel agencies accredited by the bureau.  The list of the agencies can be viewed at www.immigration.gov.ph.

According to lawyer Ma. Antonette Mangrobang, BI acting intelligence chief, Yuzawa identified a tour operator at the Robinson’s Mall in Dasmariñas, Cavite as responsible for faking his visa extensions.