DFA Investigates Claims That Edgar Matobato Fled Philippines with New Identity

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila has launched an investigation into allegations that Edgar Matobato, a self-proclaimed hitman, has exited the Philippines using a passport under a new identity. The DFA announced on Wednesday that they could not find any passport or biometric data registered under the name Edgar Matobato. The agency’s system is designed to detect and reject any passport applications made under new or assumed identities if there are existing records in their database. The DFA emphasized that attempting to fraudulently obtain a passport is a grave violation of the Passport Law. They are committed to further examining the situation and, if necessary, will involve law enforcement and other relevant bodies for a deeper probe. A recent feature by The New York Times on January 5 detailed Matobato’s last days in hiding in the Philippines before he reportedly left for an unspecified foreign country with his common-law wife and two stepchildren, all under a new identity. The article also mentioned that Matobato had secured a new passport and was working as a gardener under his new name.