PHILIPPINES: A 56-year-old overseas Filipino worker bound for Singapore was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport after authorities discovered he had an active warrant of arrest for bigamy.
The arrest took place early morning on February 20, 2026, at the departure area of NAIA Terminal 1 during routine immigration screening.
Contents
According to airport authorities, the passenger was flagged after records showed an existing Alias Order of Arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 8, Manila. The warrant was related to a bigamy case and carried a recommended bail of Php 24,000.
Verification with the issuing court confirmed that the warrant remained active.
Following confirmation, joint personnel from the NAIA Police Station 1 and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group National Capital Region Field Unit Southern Metro Manila District Field Unit formally served the warrant at the airport.
The accused is now under the custody of CIDG NCRFU SMMDFU for documentation and further legal proceedings.
What Happened
Immigration screening systems identified the passenger as having a standing arrest order. Instead of boarding his outbound flight to Singapore, he was turned over to law enforcement officers inside the airport premises.
Authorities did not release further personal details.
Police Reminder
Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group Director PBGen Dionisio B Bartolome Jr. said operations against wanted persons remain active and consistent.
He emphasized that coordination between airport authorities and law enforcement agencies continues to ensure individuals with pending cases cannot leave the country to avoid legal accountability.
“Airports are not exit points from accountability. We see to it that those with standing warrants face the full process of the law,” Bartolome said.
Airport screening procedures include checks for outstanding warrants. Travelers with pending criminal cases may be stopped before departure, even if they already have confirmed tickets and travel documents.
Authorities remind passengers to resolve any legal issues before attempting international travel. Failure to do so can lead to arrest at the airport and immediate cancellation of travel plans.