Philippines ports on high alert for ASEAN summit

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration raised the alert level at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and other ports of entry as a security measure for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit scheduled next month, a BI official said yesterday.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente instructed Port Operations Division chief Marc Red Mariñas to raise the alert at the different ports to block the possible entry of international terrorists who could create trouble during the summit.

Morente’s directive complements the tighter security measures being implemented by the Philippine National Police to prevent the possible spillover of terror attacks in Metro Manila after government troops killed Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and Maute terrorist group leader Omar Maute, ending the Marawi City siege.

In compliance with Morente’s directive, Mariñas issued a memorandum directing immigration personnel at all international airports and seaports to be on high alert.

The memorandum instructed immigration officers to conduct strict arrival and departure procedures and rigid primary inspection of passengers and crewmen, including those on special and chartered flights.