MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 29, 2013) – The Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA) said there will be a delay of up to 3 days on the release of the electronic passports due from January 28 to February 02 because of a machine breakdown.
It said applicants, who are expecting their passports this week are advised to call these telephone numbers (02) 836-7745 and (02) 836-7747 or e-mail the DFA-OCA at passportconcerns@dfa.gov.ph so they can make the necessary and appropriate arrangements on how their passports can be delivered to them.
DFA-OCA said it is prepared to issue machine-readable passports on a limited basis in cases of extreme emergency. It also apologized for the inconvenience the delay may have caused the public.
“Measures are being implemented and the Department has received the assurances and commitment of Oberthur Technology to stabilize operations immediately. Operations will normalize by Monday, February 04,” the DFA said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
DFA-OCA said it continues to accept passport applications in its offices in Metro Manila and all Regional Consular Offices, as well as its Foreign Service Posts. It said passport applicants in Manila may secure an appointment by logging on at the website www.epassport.com.ph or by calling (02) 737-1000.
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