MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday (January 20) reported 19 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection among overseas Filipinos.

This brings the total number of confirmed cases among Filipinos abroad to 13,642.

The new cases along with three new fatalities were recorded in the Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa. 

The overall number of deaths among Filipino nationals overseas is now at 944.

Meanwhile, 63 Filipinos recovered from the disease bringing the total number of recoveries to 8,745.

“The DFA, together with its Foreign Service Posts, remains fully committed to monitoring and assisting our nationals abroad amid the pandemic,” the agency said in its advisory.

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of Consular Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) advised the public not to negotiate with unknown third parties offering passport appointments assistance in Facebook groups and other social media chat groups.

The DFA issued such warning after reports from passport applicants who booked their passport appointment with assistance from unknown individuals online ended up paying more than what the DFA collects for passport issuance.

Worse, these applicants were given tampered application forms and incorrect instructions such as advise to pursue their appointment at a schedule or consular office different from the actual appointment schedule and site.

Applicants who have made an appointment with a third party, and are doubtful of the authenticity of their application, may call the DFA’s appointment hotline at 8234 3488 to verify their appointments.

Applications that were made through a third party will be accepted for processing only after the appointment and the identity of the applicant has been verified, the agency said.

Also, processing will only be done at the Consular Office where the appointment was made.

The public is reminded that passport appointments can be booked directly through https://passport.gov.ph, and applicants are strongly advised to use their own email address and mobile number to ensure that they receive the correct information on their appointment schedule and receive the application packet to be presented during the appointment.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday warned the public against a travel fee scam targeting foreign nationals who wish to enter the Philippines amid imposed travel restrictions.

In an advisory the DFA said they received reports of a “travel exemption fee” that supposedly allows the entry of foreign nationals into the country.

The DFA reiterated that it does not collect such fees “or any kind of fee whatsoever for the purpose of allowing foreign nationals to enter the country.”

“Foreign nationals should be guided by the latest advisory of the Bureau of Immigration as to who are allowed to enter the Philippines during the State of Public Health Emergency,” the advisory reads.

The foreign affairs department also said travel restrictions are still being implemented in the country amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. AAC