The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said the woman who was recently barred from boarding a flight to Taiwan after allegedly being asked to present 10 birth certificates of her ancestors had ”multiple red flags.”

The passenger’s distant relative, who paid for the trip, claimed in a television report that the immigration officer had asked her to present the documents, but the BI did not confirm this in its statement on Monday.

”Initial information shows that the unnamed passenger’s travel was deferred for having multiple red flags,” the BI said. 

”[T]he immigration officer noted that during the assessment, there was mention of a possible work in Taiwan. Said traveler was also unable to establish her relationship with her sponsor, and had numerous inconsistencies when asked about basic details about said sponsor. Her personal capacity to sustain herself during the 14-day trip was likewise not established.”

The BI said the traveler was reminded to secure proper working documents.

According to the Department of Justice’s guidelines on departure formalities, departing passengers whose purpose and capacity are not fully established may be sponsored by a relative within the fourth civil degree.

”Travelers need not worry as long as they have the appropriate documents that match their actual purpose of travel,” Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said. 

“So many travelers are coming in and out of the country with no issues. Only those with conflicting documentation are subjected to further inspection,” he added.

Tansingco said he would order an investigation into the incident ”to ensure that officers are able to communicate decisions properly to passengers.”