BI lauds immigration officers posted at manned airports, seaports amid holidays

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday thanked its frontline immigration officers and personnel who served the public during the Christmas season even if it meant being away from their families.

In a statement, BI commissioner Joel Anthony Viado acknowledged the sacrifices of frontline immigration personnel at airports and seaports nationwide, adding that their dedication reflected the BI’s commitment to public service.

“Marami sa kanila ang hindi makauwi at hindi makapiling ang kanilang pamilya ngayong Pasko, nananatili silang tapat sa tungkulin,” Viado said.

(Many of them cannot go home and be with their families this Christmas because they are faithful to their duty.)

He lauded the BI frontliners for their professionalism and sense of duty in ensuring the smooth and secure movement of travelers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

“Ang kanilang serbisyo ay hindi lang trabaho – ito ay malasakit at paninindigan sa bayan,” Viado added.

(Their service is not just a job – it is sincere compassion and commitment to the country.)

Earlier, the BI said it recorded the arrival of more than 61,000 international travelers in the Philippines amid the Christmas rush, exceeding its initial projection of at least 50,000 average passengers.

In response, the BI deployed more immigration officers and mobile immigration counters and tapped the continuous use of electronic gates to help decongest primary inspection counters.

Immigration officers assigned to frontline operations were not allowed to go on leave during the Christmas and New Year holidays to maintain adequate manpower and uninterrupted services.

Viado added that they are fully prepared to handle the holiday travel surge.

The BI reiterated its reminder to travelers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled departure as it assured that immigration operations remain manageable and orderly despite slight queues during peak hours. — JMA, GMA Integrated News