The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday reminded departing international passengers to check-in at least three hours prior to their flight due to security protocols being implemented by the Immigration officers at the airports.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco issued the reminder in response to a viral complaint of a male passenger who alleged that he missed his flight due to the conduct of secondary inspection.
‘Upon verification with systems, it was confirmed that he checked in only one hour and 27 minutes prior to the boarding of his flight. He was able to present himself for primary inspection only 12 minutes prior to boarding time,” Tansingco pointed out.
Secondary inspection is a standard security protocol conducted for passengers who may have exhibited cautionary indicators, as part of the BI’s role under the Department of Justice – Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking or IACAT.
“Our officers are trained to conduct inspections with efficiency and respect for passengers’ time, while also ensuring the utmost attention to security protocols,” said Tansingco.
He also expressed appreciation to airport authorities for expanding the immigration area.
The BI said that last year, its operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 had 26 counters, but with the expansions done by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), the number rose to 42 working stations.
“This improvement, as well as the anticipated further expansion of the immigration area, will definitely allow us to add more immigration officers to service arriving and departing passengers,” he added.