By Danielle Tiu
MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reiterated its warning against unauthorized “fixers” offering assistance in obtaining travel clearance for minors traveling overseas.
Through its Central Processing Office for Minors Traveling Abroad (CPO-MTA), the agency reminded the public that it does not accredit third-party agents for the processing of travel permits. Transactions with fixers, officials said, could lead to application delays and potential misuse of personal data.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized that parents and guardians should coordinate directly with the CPO-MTA, noting that the department has streamlined its procedures and made the application process available online.
She added that following official guidelines remains the most reliable way to secure a travel clearance and avoid unnecessary complications during travel.
As peak travel season approaches, the DSWD encouraged applicants to file their requests at least a month before their scheduled flight. Early submission, the agency said, reduces the risk of delays, rushed processing, or being barred from travel due to missing documents.
To speed up evaluation, applicants are advised to accomplish all required forms in advance using standardized templates provided by the DSWD. Applications must be submitted through the MTA Online System or the eGov PH mobile app.
For legitimate assistance, the DSWD urged the public to contact the CPO-MTA directly via its official landline numbers, mobile phones, or email address instead of relying on unauthorized intermediaries.
