Manila: The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has placed its personnel on full force as the Holy Week travel rush peaks, with an estimated 45,000 departing international passengers daily expected in the country's major airports. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated on Wednesday that it is 'all hands on deck' for immigration officers, with additional front-line personnel deployed and support units mobilized to ensure smooth and efficient processing of passengers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Viado emphasized the expectation of heavy passenger volume throughout the Holy Week period, with possibly up to 45,000 daily departures. He assured that all officers are on full alert to maintain orderly and efficient operations. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled flight to avoid missing flights amid the anticipated congestion.

Viado remarked on the peak of the Holy Week exodus, acknowledging potential queues at airports due to the sheer number of travelers. However, he committed to full deployment for a manageable airport experience for passengers.

Additionally, travelers are cautioned against scammers exploiting the travel surge by operating fraudulent websites that charge fees for the government's electronic travel declaration system, known as eTravel. Viado clarified that registration in the eTravel platform is free and strongly advised the public to register only through the official government website at etravel.gov.ph.

He urged travelers to remain vigilant against fake websites and online entities requiring payment, labeling these as clear cases of fraud. The public is encouraged not to fall victim to these schemes, especially during the holiday rush. Passengers encountering such fraudulent activities are encouraged to report them to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) through its official website. Travelers may also complete their eTravel registration through the national government's eGovPH super app.