BI reminds funeral parlors to return cards of dead aliens

MANILA, Philippines - Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. reminded funeral parlors and crematoriums nationwide yesterday to return to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) the certificate of registration identity card (ACR I-Card) of deceased foreigners.

They must surrender the ACR I-Card to the Alien Registration Division within 72 hours before the scheduled date of internment or cremation, he added.

Acting alien registration chief Ronaldo Ledesma said his office needs to purge the records of deceased aliens to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the BI’s list of registered foreigners.

The rule requiring mortuaries to surrender the ACR of deceased aliens has been in effect since 1954, he added.

More than 200,000 aliens with valid ACR I-Cards are registered with the BI.

The ACR I-Card serves as proof of a foreigner’s lawful sojourn in the country. It is issued to aliens with immigrant, non-immigrant and special non-immigrant visas.

The card also serves as an exit and re-entry permit.