124 rude foreigners barred in 2024

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that 124 foreigners were denied entry last year for being rude and disrespectful to immigration officers, a notable increase from the 64 in 2023.

In a press release on Saturday, Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said these individuals were not only returned to their port of origin but also blacklisted and banned from future entry for their behavior.

"We again warn foreigners intending to visit the Philippines that they should refrain from being disrespectful when dealing with our officers as such behavior is an affront to persons in authority," Viado said.

Many of these denied passengers were reportedly intoxicated and unruly, with some even shouting insults at officers and making derogatory remarks against Filipinos and government officials.

One case involved a 34-year-old New Zealander who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Feb. 9 via Cebu Pacific from Melbourne.

After failing to complete the required eTravel form, he was asked to fill it out to avoid disrupting the inspection queue. Instead, he refused and hurled offensive words at an officer. He was heavily intoxicated.

As a result, he was denied entry, placed on the next available flight back and added to the BI's blacklist.

Viado reiterated that the Philippines welcomes foreign visitors but adherence to immigration protocols is mandatory, and any form of disrespect will be met with strict sanctions.