American barred over profane information

The Bureau of Immigration disclosed on Friday that it has barred the entry of an American for alleged rude conduct and use of false and profane information in the eTravel System which replaced paper-based arrival and departure cards to streamline and enhance immigration processes at international ports.

BI commissioner Norman Tansingco said that the American — identified as Anthony Joseph Laurence — allegedly showed disdain towards an officer who reminded him to fill out the eTravel online form after he landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 from Bangkok, Thailand on Tuesday.

In the eTravel system, it requires travelers to fill out the form at least 72 hours before arrival.

"Laurence reportedly tossed his passport and his mobile phone angrily to the immigration officer upon returning," Tansingco said.

Upon verification, the officer discovered that Laurence provided a fake address in the Philippines, omitted his full name and used profane language in his entry.

"Such behavior is not only disrespectful but also undermines the system's efficiency," the BI chief said.

While immigration officers are advised to exercise maximum tolerance, Tansingco said Laurence had "overstepped his boundaries" which resulted with Laurence returning to his port of origin and permanently blacklisted from re-entering the country.

The agency has recorded a total of 44 foreign nationals who were blacklisted for disrespect towards symbols of Philippine authority.