The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has reassured travelers departing from Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) that it has sufficient manpower to handle immigration processes, despite recent reports of overcrowding in the departure area. In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the immigration booths at NAIA 3 are consistently fully-staffed, as the bureau has increased the number of its officers deployed in the area. Tansingco acknowledged that despite the adequate manpower, long queues have been unavoidable due to various factors, notably the recent relocation of several airlines from NAIA 1 to NAIA 3. "This relocation was prompted by the impending shutdown of international flight operations at NAIA 2. As a result, the average number of passengers departing from NAIA 3 daily has risen by 10 percent," said Tansingco. The congestion issue at NAIA 3 is further compounded by limited space, flight delays, and diversions caused by inclement weather and frequent lighting alerts that necessitate simultaneous disembarkation of passengers from affected flights, Tansingco explained. The BI chief emphasized the ongoing coordination with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to find the most effective solutions to address the recurring problem of overcrowding in the immigration areas at NAIA. Proposed measures include the installation of additional BI counters and expansion of the departure area. Tansingco also reassured the public that the BI has resolved its previous manpower shortage by actively recruiting new immigration inspectors. He said that starting June 16, when NAIA 2 ceases international flight operations, 99 immigration officers will be reassigned to NAIA terminals 1 and 3 to ensure smooth operations and alleviate congestion in these terminals.