Woman Flagged at NAIA Terminal 3 Over Passport Identity, Alleged Passport Impostor

If you have travelled internationally before, you probably know that airport immigration is no longer just about showing a passport and moving on. A recent incident at NAIA Terminal 3 shows just how advanced travel security has become in the Philippines.

Earlier this month, on 1 January 2026, a young woman was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 after immigration officers discovered she was allegedly travelling under someone else’s identity. She was preparing to board a flight bound for Italy when authorities noticed irregularities during routine immigration checks.

According to the Bureau of Immigration, the woman presented a Swedish passport that appeared valid at first. The document itself was authentic, which made the case more concerning. It was only after officers carried out biometric face recognition screening that the problem became clear. The system confirmed that the woman did not match the identity of the passport holder.

Immigration officials later identified the woman as Nimo Ahmed Hassan, 21 years old. Initial findings suggest she may be from East Africa, although authorities said investigations are still ongoing. Officers are now working to confirm her true nationality, how she entered the Philippines, and how she obtained the passport used during her attempted departure.

After her arrest, the woman was taken to the Bureau of Immigration holding facility. She is now facing deportation proceedings and possible violations of Philippine immigration laws. Authorities are also investigating whether organised groups were involved in the use of fraudulent travel documents.

Image credit: Wikimedia commons

For travellers, especially those flying internationally, this incident highlights how strict airport security measures in the Philippines have become. Biometric checks are now a standard part of immigration procedures at major airports, including NAIA. These systems are designed to prevent identity fraud while keeping borders secure for legitimate passengers.

While cases like this are uncommon, they serve as a reminder that proper travel documents are essential and that immigration checks are more thorough than ever. For most travellers, this simply means safer journeys, smoother airport processes, and greater peace of mind from check in to take off.