THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) extended its gratitude to the Airport Police Department (APD) for apprehending an individual caught offering unauthorized immigration “clearance” services to foreign nationals previously found inadmissible.
The arrest, which occurred evening of June 13 at the Departure East area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, underscores the government’s resolve under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to reinforce border control and ensure clean governance within frontline agencies entrusted with national security and public welfare.
According to the BI, the female suspect was intercepted by the APD after attempting to persuade an excluded passenger to pay for expedited clearance.
Excluded passengers are foreign nationals found to be inadmissible due to criminal history, invalid documentation, or other violations.
“We have received previous reports of alleged airport personnel approaching excluded travelers and claiming they can reverse or bypass exclusion orders for a fee,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado. “Such offers are fraudulent and place national security at risk.”
Viado clarified that upon exclusion, foreign nationals are turned over directly to their respective airlines and must be boarded on the next available flight back to their country of origin, following strict immigration protocols.
“Any person offering ‘clearance services’ for money is impersonating authority and must not be trusted,” Viado added. “They should be reported immediately to airport officials,” he stated.
The suspect allegedly demanded P850,000 in exchange for the clearance, threatening the victim deportation if the money was not paid.
The Bureau reminded the public and travelers to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to impostors promising illegal shortcuts.
“We commend the Airport Police for their swift action in thwarting this scheme,” Viado said. “This case highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding our borders and reinforcing public confidence in immigration procedures.”
An internal investigation is ongoing to determine if the operation involves additional individuals or accomplices.
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