The Bureau of Immigration (BI) operations at the airports are in full force as the country approaches its first month of implementing its eased border restrictions.
BI port operations division Chief Atty. Carlos Capulong said they have already implemented the 100-percent on-site work capacity and have resumed their pre-pandemic shifting schedule as they expect that the number of arriving passengers will increase in the next few weeks.
“From around 8,000 daily passengers on the first week of implementation of our opened borders, we are now seeing more than 9,000 daily passengers. We are expecting this gradual increase as we transition to the new normal,” he added.
Capulong said that they are projecting that the figures will increase to 10,000 to 15,000 in the next few months.
Meanwhile, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said he has ordered border operations to prepare for the expected increase in travelers.
The Bureau of Customs meanwhile deployed more personnel to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in anticipation of the increasing number of arriving passengers following the government’s decision to ease travel restrictions.
The Manila International Airport Authority is also expecting an increase in the number of passengers this summer vacation.
“Aligned with its strengthened border security and enhanced trade facilitation, the Bureau of Customs -Port of NAIA ensures its preparedness to attend to all travelers arriving in the country in the ease of travel restrictions,” said Port of NAIA district collector Carmelita Talusan.
She said the Port of NAIA has increased its manpower and added shifts in the airport terminals to better serve and cater to tourists, homebound overseas Filipino workers, balikbayans, and the volume of passenger baggage.
For guidance on importations, travelers can check the Official BOC website by accessing customs.gov.ph and check on the FAQs and other related concerns.