MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) informs the public that its consular office in Ali Mall, Quezon City (CO NCR-Northeast) will remain closed until further notice.

The closure, which began on Thursday (January 21), was to give way to disinfection of its office premises and implementation of other preventive measures to manage risks against coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Affected applicants with confirmed appointments who are unable to avail of consular services due to the suspension of operations must secure another appointment by emailing ncrnortheast.so@dfa.gov.ph with the following information:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Original appointment date and time
• Preferred date and time of new appointment

The preferred new appointment may be on any working day Monday to Friday from January 25 to February 25, 2021 during the CO’s regular operation hours from 10:00AM to 5:00PM.

Applicants that need emergency or urgent consular services may contact CO NCR-North by email at ncrnortheast.so@dfa.gov.ph.

The DFA requests the public’s understanding and cooperation as we continue to battle against this pandemic.

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.