THE Bureau of Immigration on Monday placed on heightened alert its officers in all airports and seaports to thwart any attempts by terrorists and illegal aliens to enter the country during All Saints’ Day and in preparation for the coming Asean Summit meetings in mid-November.
Immigration spokesman Grifton Medina said immigration officers had been instructed to be doubly strict and vigilant in screening travelers.
“Our officers were told to refer for secondary inspection foreigners who have doubtful purposes in entering the country and those who have questionable travel documents,” Medina said.
He said departing Filipino tourists would also be thoroughly screened to ensure they were not victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment.
Meanwhile, the Manila International Airport Authority has formed a special team to go after members of the Salisi Gang and other unscrupulous people to ensure the safety of air travelers taking a vacation this holiday break.
MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal said the team, composed of non-uniformed Airport Police Department personnel, were tasked to monitor people engaged in baggage theft and prevent similar incidents to happen at the four terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Authorities described the Gang members as people lurking where there were people: The malls, restaurants, airports, fast-food joints and computer shops and were just waiting for the victims to get distracted.
Over in Makati, the city government is imposing a traffic-rerouting scheme affecting main the thoroughfares leading to the cemeteries following the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
The city’s Public Safety Department also ordered the closure of some roads beginning 12 midnight of Oct. 30 up to 12 midnight of Thursday, Nov. 2.
The department said some portions of Kalayaan Avenue, South Avenue, Vito Cruz and Pililia Street will be closed to traffic.