NAIA bans security from touching passengers' passports

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has banned security personnel from touching passengers' passports during terminal entry to protect travel documents.

Passengers are now required to hold up their valid ID or travel document themselves for verification, following reports of alleged passport tampering incidents at several airports.

An investigation by the Department of Transportation and Civil Aeronautics Board is ongoing into a complaint filed over an incident where a Cebu Pacific passenger was initially denied boarding due to a small tear on their passport but later issued a boarding pass through the senior citizen counter.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Eric Ines commended the New NAIA Infra Corp.'s (NNIC) new order that no longer requires passengers at NAIA to show their passports at entrance gates, emphasizing proactive measures to ensure passenger safety and security.

Cebu Pacific defended its ground staff's decision to deny boarding, citing foreign immigration authorities' strict policies on damaged travel documents; Indonesian immigration confirmed they may deny entry based on minor passport damage.

The Department of Transportation instructed airlines to prevent their personnel from tampering with passports following the incident, emphasizing that sanctions will be imposed if similar incidents occur.

NAIA continues to work closely with airline partners, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to strengthen procedures and prevent similar incidents in the future.