The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has instructed its security personnel not to touch passports during terminal entry and security verification, amid reports of alleged passport tampering.

In an advisory, NAIA said its personnel are now mandated to reduce “unnecessary contact” with passengers’ travel documents.

“Passengers will simply be asked to show their valid ID or travel document by holding it up themselves,” it said.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon earlier ordered airlines to ensure their employees do not deliberately tamper with passengers’ passports.

This directive was prompted by reports on social media of alleged “punit (ripped passport" incidents at several airports.

Last week, a Cebu Pacific passenger was denied boarding a flight bound for Bali, Indonesia, after airline personnel assessed that the passenger’s passport had a small tear.

Per protocol, the personnel took a photo of the document and consulted the immigration in Bali to confirm their assessment.

Indonesian immigration authorities in Denpasar, Bali, then confirmed that the passport was damaged, meaning the passenger would not have been accepted upon arrival.

The passenger has since filed a formal complaint with the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) regarding the incident.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said a passport is considered damaged if its physical condition, particularly the passport chip and data page, becomes unreadable due to issues such as being torn out, submerged, among others.

NAIA confirmed that the “punit” incident occurred at a check-in counter at NAIA Terminal 3.

The airport, however, clarified that there has been no report of “any mishandling involving NAIA security personnel” since then.

“As the airport operator, and in the spirit of teamwork with all stakeholders, we continue to take proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of all passengers,” NAIA said.

“We are working closely with our airline partners, the DOTr, and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to strengthen procedures and ensure incidents like this do not happen again,” it added.

Dizon, for his part, warned airlines that if such incidents of torn passports are proven to be part of a scheme, heavy sanctions are in order.

“Sanctions will be imposed on both the airlines and their personnel,” he said.

The DOTr reminded to passengers to always check their passport’s validity and condition before travelling, and to consult with passport centers or airport authorities when in doubt.