TWO African nationals have been living at the premier airport for almost two years, being cared for by a local carrier, after their request for asylum was denied by the Department of Justice.
Attempts to ship back Alain Njogho Acha and Johnson Emmanuel Josiah to their ports of origin have failed.
“Every time we tried to board the two Africans, they always make a scene and become unruly until it becomes too risky for other passengers on board,” explained one airline staff.
Acha, 32 years old from Cameroon, and Josiah, 42, from Liberia, arrived aboard separate flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) on April 4, 2019. Acha came from China, while Josiah was a transiting passenger from Bangkok.
The duo had been denied entry in Japan in April 2019 prior to their arrival in the Philippines.
Both Africans landed at the Naia aboard the flag carrier Philippine Airline (PAL).
Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson Dona Sandoval said the Africans have become a public charge since their arrival and have been staying at the Naia Terminal 2 transit lounge.
PAL, as the air carrier that brought them in, becomes responsible for feeding the two passengers.
Sandoval said the BI has turned over the Africans to the custody of the airline, based on immigration policy.
Last October 4, 2019 Josiah was scheduled to board a flight via Kenya Air, but he refused vehemently and became unruly, and it was deemed wise not to force him to leave, Sandoval said.