Left photo: OIC Bayucan while giving his welcome remarks to the PNP-CIDG RFO2 personnel.  Center photo; PLTCOL Mercullo introducing the men of PNP-CIDG all over Region 02. Right photo: ROIII Miguel asking the overt features of the PhilID to Pat. Pamittan.

23 April 2024, TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN – Personnel from the Fraud and Management Division (FMD) of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Central Office, alongside representatives from PSA Regional Office 02, convened with members of the Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region 02 (PNP-CIDG 02), at the PSA Conference Hall in Tuguegarao City.

The purpose of the meeting was to address the concerning surge in reported incidents from PSA Cagayan regarding the proliferation of counterfeit Philippine Identification Cards (PhilIDs) within the province. Mr. Peejay Cayaba, Registration Officer IV of FMD, elaborated on the responsibilities of the FMD and conveyed to PNP-CIDG personnel the ongoing challenges faced by PSA. Police Lieutenant Colonel (PLTCOL) Arbel C. Mercullo, Officer-in-charge of PNP-CIDG RFO2, assured of their commitment to assist PSA in curbing, if not eradicating, the circulation of fake PhilIDs in the Region. He emphasized that PSA or any individual may effect a citizen's arrest if they witness or have knowledge of someone engaging in, about to commit, or having committed the crime, and to bring such cases to the authorities. He also requested all incident reports to be promptly forwarded to CIDG for thorough investigation and necessary action.

Engr. Girme M. Bayucan, Officer-in-charge of PSA RSSO II, expressed gratitude to PSA Central Office for initiating the meeting to devise strategies for addressing fraudulent activities, identity theft, and breaches of data privacy in the Region. He cautioned against compromising personal data in exchange for payments ranging from 500 to 1000 pesos. He stressed the importance of intensifying public awareness efforts to clarify that registration in PhilSys is free of charge, including the issuance of PhilIDs.

The meeting concluded with a demonstration of PhilSys Check to PNP-CIDG Region 02 personnel, aimed at equipping them with the necessary knowledge to verify the authenticity of ePhilIDs or PhilIDs and identify any falsified documents.

ENGR. GIRME M. BAYUCAN
Chief Statistical Specialist
Officer-In-Charge, PSA-RSSO II

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