The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has placed on heightened alert all its units in different port entries as part of their preparation for the upcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games and holiday season.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morante issued the directive to his officials as the agency expected the surge of Filipinos and tourists that will attend the sports meet.
They were expecting a 3% raise in the total number of arrivals and departures this holiday season.
Aside from balikbayans and tourists, the agency is also projecting 8,000 delegates together with the athletes, media, technical officials, volunteers, fans and audiences.
“We are expecting up to 3% increase in arrivals and departures this holiday season. We are certain that there will be more tourists and balikbayans who will be flying in this Christmas. Even more, now that the SEA Games will be held in the country, we are projecting an added 8,000 delegates including athletes, media, technical officials, volunteers, fans, and audiences,” said Morente.
BI added 600 officials as part of their preparation on SEA Games and holiday rush.
BI records also shows that in December 2018 more than 1.5 million passengers arrived in the country, while more than 1.2 million left.
(With reports from Bombo Jerald B. Ulep)
