NAIA security told: Hands off all passports

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has instructed its security personnel not to touch passports during terminal entry and security verification, amid reports of alleged passport tampering.

- By DEXTER BARRO II

In an advisory, NAIA said its personnel are now mandated to reduce “unnecessary contact” with passengers’ travel documents.

“Passengers will simply be asked to show their valid ID or travel document by holding it up themselves,” it said.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon earlier ordered airlines to ensure their employees do not deliberately tamper with passengers’ passports.

This directive was prompted by reports on social media of alleged “punit (ripped passport" incidents at several airports.