The Department of Transportation (DOTr) asked Cathay Pacific to explain why a passenger was denied boarding at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport over a torn passport.

DOTr said the passenger was supposed to board a flight to Dubai last April 24, but the passport was allegedly torn while being handled by the airline staff during the check-in process.

The passport was rendered invalid and unusable, the airline staff allegedly did not provide any explanation or assistance to the incident.

“Cathay Pacific has been ordered to submit an explanation on the incident by today, 01 May 2025,” the DOTr said in a statement.

Cathay Pacific’s has yet to comment and will publish it as soon as it is available.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has directed all airlines to ensure that no tampering of passports occurs at airports, according to the agency.

Last Tuesday, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport said airport security personnel are no longer allowed to touch the passengers’ passports during terminal entry following reports of damaged passports.