Nelson Morales

Immigration deploys more personnel as passenger numbers surge at NAIA

Passengers flock to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on March 27, 2024. An influx of passengers is anticipated as many head to the provinces for the Holy Week weekend. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Katrina Domingo

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The number of passengers traveling through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has reached around 50,000 daily in recent days, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Tuesday.“Nakita po natin na almost everyday ay umaabot sa 50,000 yung arrival at 50,000 din po yung departure,” said BI deputy spokesperson Melvin Mabulac.“Medyo mataas siya compared sa last year but inaasahan natin ito considering na peak season talaga kapag December,” he told state relevision PTV.Because of the travel surge ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays, the BI has deployed nearly 1,000 personnel in airports across the country, the BI official said.Over 600 immigration inspectors and backup inspectors are deployed at the NAIA, the Philippines’ busiest gateway.“We do not allow yung leave ng mga tauhan mula November 15 hanggang January 15,” he said.“We are very glad as well na yung NNIC (New NAIA Infra Corp), nagkaroon ng coordination with Immigration. Nagkaroon po tayo ng e-gates,” he said, referring to the consortium in charge of NAIA operations.Under the new scheme, 12 electronic gates were placed at the arrival area, while another dozen are stations at the departure area, Mabulac said.“Hopefully, by next year, magkaroon na tayo ng e-gates for foreign nationals. Usually yung nagtratravel na hindi naman sila nag ooverstay dito, wala silang dero (derogatory record),” he said.Meantime, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said that it continues to monitor transport hubs as Filipinos continue to travel to and from their home provinces for the holidays.“Kasama po diyan yung intensified police operations, pinalawak din po natin yung mga checkpoints at importante din yung intelligence monitoring at public information campaign natin para mawarningan yung mga kababayan natin,” said PNP Spokesperson Gen. Randulf Tuaño.The PNP also cautioned the public against posting their travel plans and locations on social media, saying that some individuals might use this information to rob their residences.

Because of the travel surge ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays, the BI has deployed nearly 1,000 personnel in airports across the country.

Because of the travel surge ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays, the BI has deployed nearly 1,000 personnel in airports across the country.