DFA: Machine breakdown causes delay in release of ePassports Jan. 28-Feb. 2

source: gmanetwork.com

The Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA) on Tuesday said the issuance of electronic passports (ePassports) scheduled to be released from January 28 to February 2 will be delayed by two to three days because of a machine breakdown.

In a news release, the DFA said passport applicants expecting their passports this week are urged to call (632) 836-7745, (632) 836-7747 or e-mail DFA-OCA at passportconcerns@dfa.gov.ph to make arrangements on how their passports can be delivered to them.

The DFA said it may also issue "machine-readable passports on a limited basis in cases of extreme emergency."

"The department would like to apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused the public," it said.

The DFA said ePassports provider Oberthur Technology expects "to stabilize operations immediately. Operations will normalize by Monday, February 4."

Meanwhile, the DFA urges passport applicants in Manila to secure an appointment by logging on at the website www.epassport.com.ph or by calling (632) 737-1000.

source: gmanetwork.com