NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation – Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-SEMRO) director Archie Albao revealed the latest findings on fraudulent late-registered birth certificates in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
“The number of questionable birth certificates has risen from 500 and 1,000 to 1,576. These certificates were issued between 2018, 2019, and 2021. Our investigation, which spans from 2016 to 2023, is ongoing,” Albao told reporters on Wednesday in a press conference at their office.
“To date, we have filed 66 cases with the Ombudsman Mindanao. Those charged include employees of Sta. Cruz and Chinese nationals. The cases filed involve violations of the law on the registry of civil status, falsification of public documents, graft and corruption, and perjury,” Albao stated.
He explained, “The primary issue is the failure to adhere to the proper process for filing late-registered birth certificates. Our investigation of the local government unit revealed numerous deficiencies. Furthermore, we discovered that some of those who obtained these certificates were Chinese nationals, not Filipinos.”
The NBI XI director confirmed that 10 individuals, including four Sta. Cruz employees and six or seven Chinese nationals are facing charges.
“We also have ongoing investigations and have gathered evidence and documents from other local government units in the Davao region, in addition to Sta. Cruz,” he said.
“We cannot disclose the names of these municipalities until we have gathered sufficient evidence to file cases against the individuals involved,” he added.
He stated that 66 cases have been filed with the Office of the Ombudsman, involving Chinese nationals. Two inquests have already been conducted.
“The investigation is ongoing. The cases we have filed so far cover only the period from 2018 to 2021. We are now backtracing from 2016 to 2023, and that information has not yet been fully gathered. I am certain that the number of 1,576 will increase, and we have also traced similar activities in other local government units beyond Sta. Cruz,” he said.
When asked if individuals were assisting those involved in the fraudulent activities, Albao said, “We are pleased to announce that the Mayor of Sta. Cruz has been instrumental in our investigation. He initiated the transfer and suspension of employees, and ultimately, their dismissal and prosecution. Without their cooperation, we would not have been able to complete the filing of these cases.”
Regarding the investigation, he added, “We have completed our investigation of the employees and are now focusing on the Chinese nationals, most of whom are not from Davao.”
Photo courtesy of Rhoda Grace B Saron
