The Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) reported Saturday that a 56-year-old man attempting to depart the country was arrested over the weekend at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.
Authorities said the accused, a departing Filipino passenger bound for Toronto, Canada, is a resident of Dumaguete City.
The passenger has a long-standing case that prompted a joint operation by personnel from the PNP-AVSEGROUP and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
He was found to have an outstanding 2013 warrant of arrest for violation of Presidential Decree No. 957, also known as the Subdivision and Condominium Buyer’s Protective Decree, with bail set at P20,000.
The accused is currently in the custody of the Southern District Field Unit NCR-CIDG for documentation and further court proceedings.
“Accountability is not lost with time. Justice is served, especially in our country’s airports, whether it takes twelve days or twelve years. We are dedicated to maintaining our airports as safe havens, not havens for the wanted,” said PNP-AVSEGROUP director PBGen Christopher Marcial Abecia.
Meanwhile, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) announced that new immigration counters for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at NAIA Terminal 3 are now officially open. Strategically located next to the OFW Lounge, the initiative is part of MIAA’s long-term plan to address the persistent issue of congestion and long queues at the immigration departure area.
According to MIAA officials, initial work was done before NAIA operations were transferred to the New NAIA Infra Corporation. By reducing wait times and increasing travel efficiency, the additional counters are expected to serve up to 2,400 OFWs daily.
The new facility is an extension of the current immigration counters at NAIA 3 and includes six additional counters, according to airport authorities. Three of these are fully operational, while the other three are still being installed.
To expedite processing, 25 additional immigration inspectors have been deployed. For OFWs facing urgent issues, such as those related to Overseas Employment Certificates, the Department of Migrant Workers desk is also available.
“This initiative shows our profound gratitude for the sacrifices made by OFWs, providing them with a committed, hassle-free immigration experience,” MIAA general manager Eric Jose Ines said.