NAIA security should not touch passports

Security personnel at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have been instructed not to touch passports during terminal entry and for security verification following the incident of slightly damaged passport allegedly due to tampering.

NAIA management said its security staff are now mandated to reduce “unnecessary contact” with passengers’ travel documents.

“Passengers will simply be asked to show their valid ID or travel document by holding it up themselves,” said the NAIA management.

Earlier, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon ordered airlines to ensure their employees do not deliberately tamper with passengers’ passports.

This directive was prompted by viral social media posts of alleged “punit” (ripped) passport incidents at several airports.

Early April, a Cebu Pacific passenger was denied boarding a flight bound for Bali, Indonesia, after airline personnel discovered the passenger’s passport had a small tear.

Per protocol, the personnel took a photo of the document and consulted the immigration in Bali to confirm their assessment.

Indonesian immigration authorities in Denpasar, Bali, then confirmed that the passport was damaged, meaning the passenger would not have been allowed to enter upon arrival.

The passenger has since filed a formal complaint with the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB).

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said a passport is considered damaged if its physical condition, particularly the passport chip and data page, becomes unreadable due to issues such as being torn out, submerged, among others.

NAIA confirmed the “punit” incident occurred at a check-in counter at NAIA Terminal 3.

The airport clarified there has been no report of “any mishandling involving NAIA security personnel” since then.

“As the airport operator, and in the spirit of teamwork with all stakeholders, we continue to take proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of all passengers,” NAIA said.

“We are working closely with our airline partners, DOTr, and the Bureau of Immigration to strengthen procedures and ensure incidents like this do not happen again,” it added.

Dizon warned airlines that if such incidents of torn passports are proven to be part of a scheme, heavy sanctions are in order. “Sanctions will be imposed on both the airlines and their personnel,” he said.

DOTr reminded passengers to always check their passport’s validity and condition before travelling, and to consult with passport centers or airport authorities when in doubt.