It is a response to growing public concern over incidents involving damaged passports — an issue that has come to be known locally as the “punit passport” problem
In a move aimed at safeguarding passengers’ travel documents and improving overall airport experience, security personnel at all Philippine airports, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), will no longer physically handle passports during terminal entry. The updated policy, announced recently by NAIA authorities, is a response to growing public concern over incidents involving damaged passports — an issue that has come to be known locally as the “punit passport” problem.
“To better protect your travel documents and reduce unnecessary contact, all NAIA security personnel have been instructed not to touch passports during terminal entry and security verification,” NAIA said in an official statement. “Passengers will simply be asked to show their valid ID or travel document by holding it up themselves,” the statement added.
This development follows a widely shared incident involving a passenger who reported that her father was barred from boarding a Cebu Pacific flight to Bali, Indonesia, on 15 April due to a small tear in his passport. According to her account, the damage was spotted by airline staff at the check-in counter, who then declined to let him travel.
While the incident did not involve NAIA’s security personnel directly, it triggered a wave of concerns among other travellers who fear facing similar issues. In response, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) have initiated a formal investigation into other reported cases where passengers were denied boarding over allegedly damaged passports.
NAIA clarified that the issue involving the torn passport occurred during the check-in process at Terminal 3 and not during security screening. “There has been no report of any mishandling involving NAIA security personnel,” the airport authority emphasised in its statement.
Despite this, airport officials are taking a proactive stance. “We are working closely with our airline partners, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to strengthen procedures and make sure incidents like this do not happen again,” NAIA said.
The change in policy reflects an ongoing effort to balance efficient security measures with the need to ensure that passengers’ documents remain undamaged and acceptable for international travel. It also comes at a time when international travel is gradually increasing, and ensuring hassle-free airport procedures remains a priority for both passengers and authorities.
While the revised approach may seem like a small operational tweak, it signals a broader commitment to passenger welfare and inter-agency coordination to address recurring travel challenges.