Authorities have installed cameras in each immigration counter at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to capture images of all departing and arriving passengers in line with the heightened security measure being enforced at the airport.
The latest measure, initiated by the Immigration bureau, covers all local and foreign passengers, as well as international airline pilots and crews.
The captured images of individuals will be automatically transmitted to the immigration servers and will link to international servers for future references or person with derogatory records for possible arrest.
The bureau’s intelligence personnel and experts in profiling of individuals are on stand-by at the arrival and departure immigration areas while Customs agents will help them in providing information about individuals they monitored.
The intensified screening on all incoming and departing passengers in all airports and seaports came following reports that suspected foreign terrorists joined the extremist Maute group, now in armed conflict with government troops in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur and other parts of Mindanao.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines also called for stricter immigration procedures after it received information that some members of the Maute allied terrorist groups entered the country via airports.
Commissioner Jaime Morente tapped Naia Immigration-Port Operation Division chief Red Mariñas to conduct “double screen” on all passengers coming from countries identified with foreign terrorists.
He also ordered the designation of experts in profiling from the Border Control and Intelligence Unit in all international airports in the country for the possible arrest of foreign terrorist who would like to enter the country.
Mariñas said Commissioner Morente also ordered him to deport passengers with derogatory records and placed them under their blacklist so they will never have a chance to enter the country again.
Reports showed that some foreigners who helped the Maute group in Mindanao came from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Chechnya in Russia and Morocco.
Last week, the Manila International Airport Authority deployed security personnel armed with assault rifles, machine pistols and bullet proof vest as part of the heightened security measures.
The National Capital Region Police Office also received information that a document was being circulated through social media that a series of bombings would be launched anytime in Metro Manila.
Transportation Secretary Arturo Tugade said the security measures in all transport hubs in the country emphasize that public safety is the topmost priority of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
He also underscored the need for consistent visibility of security personnel in transport facilities to prevent untoward incidents and to deter lawless elements from conducting activities detrimental to passengers.