Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado on Monday said they are expecting around 50,000 travelers per day at international airports this Holy Week.
In response, at least 40 additional immigration officers and acting immigration officers have been deployed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to accommodate the expected surge in international passengers.
“We have fielded a total of 48 immigration frontliners at NAIA alone to ensure that all immigration counters are fully manned during peak arrival and departure hours. This is part of our commitment to deliver swift and seamless service to the traveling public,” Viado said.
The BI chief said that immigration personnel from different offices in Metro Manila were directed to assist in airport operations for the duration of the long weekend.
Under his newly implemented directive, all entry-level immigration officers and acting immigration officers are required to render rotational airport duties.
“Our frontliners are under strict orders to provide efficient, courteous, and professional service at all times. This operational surge is aligned with the President’s call for improved government services, especially in high-traffic areas such as our airports,” Viado said.
“We urge the public to be at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled flight to allow ample time for immigration and security checks,” he added, citing the high volume of travelers.