The Department of Transportation (DoTr) has directed all airlines to ensure that their personnel do not deliberately tamper with passengers’ passports, following reports of alleged "punit passport" incidents at several airports.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, in a meeting with airline officials last week, made it clear that any proven scheme involving tampering will not be tolerated.
“Kung may makita man tayong ganung insidente, kung may gumagawa ng ganitong kalokohan, sorry na lang. Sanctions will be imposed on both the airlines and their personnel,” Dizon said.
The directive comes after Indonesian immigration authorities in Denpasar, Bali confirmed that a passport submitted by Cebu Pacific last week was deemed damaged and would not have been accepted upon arrival.
The case involved a Cebu Pacific passenger who was denied boarding for a Bali-bound flight after airline personnel found minor damage to the passport. Following protocol, the airline photographed the document and sought confirmation from Bali immigration officials.
The passenger has since filed a formal complaint with the Civil Aeronautics Board regarding the incident.
The DoTr also reiterated its reminder for travelers to regularly check the validity and physical condition of their passports before flying, and to seek guidance from passport centers or airport authorities if they have any concerns.