BI: Chartered flight undergo derogatory checks
IMMIGRATION Commissioner Norman Tansingco clarified the role of the agency in processing chartered flights saying that the individual underwent derogatory checks and were compliant to immigration formalities.
In a statement, Tansingco said that the office has received reports via media entities that an unauthorized private jet was able to depart the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 last February 13, at around 10 p.m.
The report said the special flight carried more passengers than the number declared in the flight manifest.
He said that they have conducted an initial verification of the said incident with the BI NAIA Terminal 1 management.
“According to the initial report, there were 10 individuals on board the said aircraft. Seven passengers and 3 crew were listed in the manifest,” said Tansingco. “All underwent derogatory checks and were compliant to immigration formalities,” he stated.
He added that an immigration officer was likewise assigned to attend to and process the passengers in the said aircraft.
He said the BI was only one of numerous agencies that inspect departing and arriving special flights. Permits on security, health, duties, and others are handled by other government agencies.
“The entrance of other individuals in the airport premises does not fall under the jurisdiction of the BI,” said Tansingco. “Our officers only process passengers, following the official General Declaration,” he added.
