BI augments Mactan staff

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is deploying more personnel at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in view of the full operation on July 1 of its new passenger terminal.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said that 12 immigration officers were initially issued orders to report to MCIA to conduct immigration inspection for arriving and departing international passengers.

Morente said the Bureau fully supports President Rodrigo Duterte’s efforts to market the Philippines as a prime tourist destination.

The official said that with the augmentation, there will now be 112 immigration personnel rendering administrative and primary line duties for the thousands of passengers who will enter and exit the Mactan airport daily.

According to BI OIC Deputy Commissioner and Port Operation Division Chief Marc Red Mariñas, only about 60 BI personnel were assigned at the MCIA in 2017.