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Friday, March 29, 2024

BI assures smooth process of plane passengers during holidays

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The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has assured the public of unhampered service in all ports for arriving and departing passengers this holiday season.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the bureau has adopted several measures to maximize the agency’s manpower during the peak season.

“Historically, during Christmas and New Year, the number of travelers significantly increases worldwide. Hence we are making sure that we are fully manned and ready to serve the traveling public,” he added.

The assurance came after a photo of long immigration lines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 was posted by a media outlet last November 12.

BI port operations division chief Carlos Capulong clarified that during that incident, the long queue was caused by the simultaneous arrival of 11 flights, bringing the total number of passengers to more than 2,000.

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“Processing that many passengers within a short period of time, coupled with the limited area for passengers is really bound to cause a queue. However, we make sure that we process them as efficiently as possible, and the lines are finished immediately,” he added.

Capulong also said that 14 primary inspection officers were augmented by immigration officers from their rapid response team, which they activate as needed. He added that the five electronic gates located in NAIA 3 are all fully operational, lessening processing time to as much as 8 seconds per person.

“Airport personnel will also be prohibited to go on leave during the peak season to ensure adequate manpower,” Capulong said.

The BI has more than 140 counters at the arrival and departure areas of the NAIA, with several lanes prioritizing Filipinos, particularly overseas Filipino workers.

“We remain committed to ensure that we deliver the best service especially during the holiday season,” Tansingco said.

He pointed out that their processes at the NAIA are ISO-certified, proving that they are at par with international standards. “We aim to further improve our services in the next few years, to make things faster and easier for travelers as we welcome tourists again to our shores,” he added.

The BI also reported that 55 more immigration officers are currently training in the Philippine Immigration Academy, to be assigned to the airports and other BI offices after graduation.

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