DFA, Pasay cops nab 9 fixers

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reiterated yesterday its warning against unscrupulous individuals who charge exorbitant fees in exchange for passport assistance and other consular services following the arrest of nine suspected fixers.

The fixers were apprehended for violation of a city ordinance banning fixing in government offices.

The DFA Office of Intelligence Services (DFA-OIS) coordinated with the Pasay City police after an applicant reported a similar case to the DFA Office of Consular Affairs.

Even if there has been a significant decrease in the presence of fixers along Libertad and Harrison streets, the DFA said there are still fixers who have been capitalizing on their knowledge of application procedures to convince victims, who are mostly from the province or newly arrived overseas Filipino workers.