DAVAO CITY — “Be honest” this is the advise of Bureau of Immigration (BI) commissioner Normal Tansingco to travelers to avoid complications at the airport.
Tansingco in a statement Monday said travelers must be honest with their identities and avoid lies as these are red flags or doubtful signs that may affect their international trips.
It has been observed that passengers who make up details about their travels are often flagged for misrepresentation.
In another statement, Tansingco emphasized that misrepresenting details about your identity is a sign of doubtful intention for travel.
“Just be truthful,” said Tansingco. “If you lie about your identity, your background, or the details of your travel, then it could be a reason for our immigration officers to doubt the legitimacy of your trip,” he stated.
Tansingco made the comment following a social media post about a passenger being prevented from boarding her flight four times.
“Initial investigation revealed that during her attempt in April, she claimed that she was employed by a large real estate company in the Philippines, even showing documents purportedly issued by said company,” said Tansingco.
However, upon verification with the company, it was confirmed that supposed certification, as well as other documents, were fake.
He added that a common modus of illegal recruiters and human traffickers is to provide fake documents to victims to make their travel seem legitimate.
“If you are traveling for legitimate purposes, then there is no reason to lie,” added Tansignco
“If you lie about your identity, your background, or the details of your travel, then it could be a reason for our immigration officers to doubt the legitimacy of your trip,” he added,