By Ma. Cristina Arayata/PNA
MANILA — Heightened security measures continue at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Immigration Port Operations Division chief, Grifton Medina told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an exclusive interview.
“We conduct continuous training and inter-agency coordination with other countries or interpol (international police),” he said.
Medina explained that the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is connected 24/7, live, with the Interpol.
“For example, if a person has a record in another country, or if he or she is a suspect terrorist, his or her name would automatically hit our system. That means the person could be prevented from entering the country,” he said.
Medina also remarked that using a state-of-the-art system, the BI protects the people by checking stolen passports and counterfeit documents.
“For three years now, we retain the Tier 1, which is the highest level of security,” Medina noted.
According to Medina, Tier 1 indicates the highest security level in terms of the country’s campaign against human trafficking.
“That means we are very strict, and we implement what’s in the regulations. The Philippines is the only country in the ASEAN region that has the Tier 1 status,” he said.
The BI reported on Monday the interception of eight suspected human trafficking victims last Saturday.
These victims tried to leave the Philippines by disguising as tourists.
Based on the BI’s report, these eight passengers were intercepted before they could board their flight in NAIA Terminal 3.
They admitted that they were supposed to work abroad without proper documentation, the BI added.
