MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has cautioned the public against placing unauthorized stamps or markings on Philippine passports, noting that such actions can render the document invalid and are punishable under the law.

“[It] is also considered as tampering of an official document, which is punishable under the law… The ePassport should be submitted only to authorized officials or authorities for stamping,” the DFA said in a statement.

The department also reminded citizens that passports are considered the property of the Philippines, and it is prohibited to alter, add to, or destroy any of its contents.

The warning follows an incident involving a Filipina digital nomad who nearly had her passport canceled for bearing souvenir stamps. Kach Umandap of Palawan said she had collected souvenir stamps from several destinations before being stopped by U.S. Immigration authorities, who detained and interrogated her for over three hours. Her passport was ultimately deemed tampered and canceled.