Manila: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has issued a directive to all airlines to ensure that their personnel do not engage in the deliberate tampering of passenger passports. This order follows reports of alleged incidents involving "punit (rip) passport."

According to Philippines News Agency, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon announced that the directive was communicated to the airlines during a meeting last week. He warned that if such incidents are confirmed, both airlines and their personnel would face sanctions.

Last week, a passenger on Cebu Pacific was denied boarding for a flight to Bali, Indonesia, after airline staff determined that the passenger's passport had minor damage. The airline, following protocol, took a photo of the passport and sought an assessment from Bali immigration. Indonesian authorities in Denpasar confirmed that the passport was damaged and would not have been accepted upon arrival.

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

DOTr Secretary Dizon emphasized the importance of passengers checking the validity and condition of their passports before traveling and consulting passport centers or airport authorities if there are any doubts.