Manila, Feb. 22 -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that 124 foreigners were denied entry last year for being rude and disrespectful to immigration officers, a notable increase from the 64 in 2023.

In a press release on Saturday, Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated that these individuals were not only returned to their port of origin but also blacklisted and banned from future entry for their behavior.

"We again warn foreigners intending to visit the Philippines that they should refrain from being disrespectful when dealing with our officers as such behavior is an affront to persons in authority," Viado said.

Many of these denied passengers were reportedly intoxicated and unruly, with some even shouting insults at officers a...