Immigration personnel banned from going on leave during Lenten Season

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday announced that its personnel in all international ports have been banned from going on leave to ensure adequate manpower during the Lenten Season.

During an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, Immigration Deputy Spokesperson Melvin Mabulac said employees are banned from taking leaves from March 22 to April 1.

“We do not allow ‘yung leave from March 22 to April 1,” Mabulac said.

“We are also utilizing ‘yung ating mobile counters if ever marami rami yung tao na pasahero, then we are going to utilize that,” he added.

According to Mabulac, daily departures in the country’s airports increased from 42,000 to 47,000 this March.

“Kaya nga po, ang ginawa ng ating opisina, nagdagdag tayo ng around 65 augmentation na personnel. Sila po ay tutulong sa ating mga paliparan to ensure na ang proseso sa Immigration ay tuloy tuloy,” he said.  

(That's why we've added 65 augmentation personnel. They will assist in the airports to ensure a smooth flow of our operations.)

He also advised travelers to register at etravel.gov.ph three days before their travel.

Meanwhile, he warned the public against websites or individuals who are asking for payment for registration, stressing that this is free.

“Pag sila ay nag re-register sa e-travel, meron pong hinihiling na pera. We are warning the people po… wala po itong bayad,” he said.

(If they are going to register for e-travel, some are being asked for payment. We are warning the people that this is free.) — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA Integrated News