MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday said that it is eyeing possible actions against Xian Gaza for mocking airport and immigration procedures.
In a Facebook post that went viral on Sunday, Gaza narrated how he managed to sneak out of the country last September 2018 despite having three standing warrants of arrest.
Gaza made headlines in 2017 after asking out actress Erich Gonzales for a date via a billboard advertisement in Manila, for reportedly stalking actress Ella Cruz, and after his alleged involvement in several multi-million peso investment scams.
He was also sentenced to five years in jail after being found guilty for using a bouncing check.
READ: Xian Gaza sentenced to five years in jail
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval, however, debunked Gaza’s story, saying there was “no Hollywood-level storyline” when he left the country on September 30, 2018.
Sandoval explained that when a person has a hit for an existing Hold Departure Order or warrant of arrest, the person will be immediately barred from flying out.
“Since he had no derogatory record when he left, he was cleared for departure. It was quite uneventful and ordinary, really. No Hollywood-level storyline, just regular immigration clearance,” Sandoval added.
Sandoval said Gaza’s story was made to appear like it was taken straight out of an action movie.
“He said it so himself, his story is based on what happened, but sadly it’s not what actually happened,” she said.
Sandoval also denied the alleged conversation that Gaza said he had with an immigration officer.
“The story is preposterous, similar to other claims he made in the past. If you know regular airport procedures, his story sounds silly. Ang daming loopholes,” she said.
“Booking numerous flights will not help evade police. Everything is recorded in our systems, with one click you’ll know which flight a person really took,” she added.
Since the viral post is a “cause for concern,” Sandoval said the BI is now studying possible actions against Gaza.
“Stunts like this using the Bureau to gain fame and stay relevant are a security risk. He is making a mockery of our airport procedures for attention,” she said.
The post of Gaza has so far elicited 8,000 comments and more than 22,000 shares. /gsg