Pinoy tourists complain of 'abusive' BI examiners at NAIA

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos traveling overseas as tourists are complaining of abusive and arrogant immigration examiners at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), sources said yesterday.

In the name of intensifying the government fight against human trafficking, Bureau of Immigration (BI) examiners are reportedly offloading tourists who cannot present income tax returns (ITRs), certificates of employment, and bank account statements to prove they are wealthy enough to travel abroad.

Filipino tourists who happen to “look poor” are said to be subjected by certain BI-NAIA agents to these demands. “If you are dark-skinned, or you’re not one to dress in expensive clothes or for any reason you look like you are not wealthy, be ready to be subjected to their discrimination all in the name of the fight against human trafficking,” a NAIA source said.

Dubai-bound Filipino tourists are reportedly targeted by BI-NAIA examiners, another source said.

BI spokeswoman Maria Antonette Mangrobang said examiners at NAIA are indeed demanding ITRs, employment certificates and bank statements from Filipino tourists, especially those bound for Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok.

”The screening of tourists has been tightened as part of the drive against human trafficking,” she said, adding that the three destinations are jump-off points for Filipinos eyeing to work illegally in Middle East countries.

Mangrobang said they do not condone abusive behavior by examiners. She called on complainants to report such incidents by calling 527-3281 or 527-3248 or filing a report on the BI’s website.

She said complainants should name the examiner involved, the terminal where the examiner is assigned, and the time of the incident.