One-stop border clearance hub sought after issue with Dubai-bound chartered flight

The Bureau of Immigration logo is superimposed over the airport scene. INQUIRER.net FILES

MANILA, Philippines — A one-stop processing center for border clearances is being proposed following the allegedly unauthorized departure of a Dubai-bound private jet from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco said Thursday that passengers of the chartered or special flight that took off from Naia Terminal 1 on Monday, February 13, were not processed at the airport’s immigration area but near the aircraft by a designated immigration officer.

Tansingco also said that it was clarified during an emergency meeting between representatives of the BI and the Office of Transportation Security that immigration officers, and those in the Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Quarantine, are only given ramp access for special flights.

READ: BI notes possible ‘clearance’ issue on ‘unauthorized’ flight of private jet from Naia

“The entrance of other individuals in the airport premises does not fall under the jurisdiction of the BI. Our officers only process passengers following the official General Declaration,” he said in a statement.

Tansingco also noted that there are other government agencies that are likewise involved in processing security, health, duties, and other permits for departing and arriving special flights.

With this in mind, the BI chief said the creation of a one-stop processing center “to harmonize border clearance procedures” was raised during their meeting.

Tansingco said the BI “highly supports” the proposal as he reaffirmed their commitment to fight human trafficking.

On Wednesday, Senator Grace Poe disclosed an alleged human trafficking activity at the Naia, citing an anonymous tip received by the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group that there were unauthorized individuals who boarded a private jet without proper pre-departure clearances.

READ: Alleged human trafficking incident at Naia raised in Senate

The Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) has since confirmed that they had given the go-ahead for the private jet– owned and operated by Cloud Nine No.1 Leasing Company Limited – to fly out.

Nevertheless, the Miaa also said that a probe into the matter is underway.

READ: Miaa says chartered flight to Dubai took off with approved permits

KGA