ILOILO City – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) – Iloilo District Office is fully prepared for the return of international flights at the Iloilo Airport starting October 27.
According to Joann Lagamon, the Acting Alien Control Officer of BI-Iloilo, the BI possesses robust capabilities to monitor the entry of foreign nationals, particularly those with suspect intentions.
“We have Regional Intelligence Offices across the country including our region, and we collaborate closely with government agencies like the Philippine National Police to assess the purpose of entry of foreign nationals, especially at the Iloilo Airport,” said Lagamon.
In addition to security measures, Lagamon noted that all foreign nationals entering the country are subjected to stringent screening processes right from the port of entry.
The BI – Iloilo District Office and four other field offices in the region remain open to receiving community reports regarding illegal activities involving foreign nationals, Lagamon stressed.
The district office already completed a series of dry runs in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and other relevant agencies to ensure the airport is equipped to handle international passengers.
The flights scheduled to resume will connect Iloilo to Hong Kong and Singapore, with reciprocal routes, following announcements made by Michelle Eve De Guzman, marketing director of Cebu Pacific, during the 33rd Visayas Area Business Conference last month.
Lagamon also said the BI office at the airport has remained vigilant, monitoring and standing by even when international flights were temporarily halted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our team is ready to manage the inflows and outflows of the Iloilo Airport efficiently,” Lagamon stressed.
Regarding the airport’s readiness, Manuela Luisa Palma, manager of Iloilo Airport, confirmed that the facilities have been prepared to accommodate international flights since last year.
“Our pre-departure area in the main passenger terminal building is ready, and Gate 3 can handle up to 150 international passengers, with provisions to increase capacity if needed,” said Palma.
Palma also expressed optimism about the economic boost the resumed flights would bring to the city and province of Iloilo, making travel more accessible and affordable through direct connections.
Currently, the airport handles an average of 30 to 32 domestic flights daily to various destinations across the Philippines, serviced by three major airline companies: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia./PN
