To avoid the legal headaches of immigration flags, foreigners must strictly adhere to the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) evolving regulations. For instance, proactively managing visa extensions and downgrades and resolving documentation gaps prevent “status conflicts” and ensure legal stay in the Philippines. Below, we address an urgent inquiry from a reader whose innocent minor child was unexpectedly placed on an Alert List Order (ALO).

Dear Atty. Duran-Schulze,

In 2024, I held a 9(g) work visa with my then 2-year-old son as my dependent. In August of the same year, my son returned to China, while I remained in the Philippines for work. Two months later, due to employment changes, I was required to downgrade my 9(g) visa and subsequently exited the country.

Several months later, my son and I re-entered the Philippines on tourist visas. When we attempted to extend our visas, we were surprised to learn that my son is subject to an Alert List Order (ALO).

Attorney, I would appreciate your explanation and guidance on how this may have occurred and what remedies are available to resolve this urgent issue.

Thank you for your assistance.

Distressed Father

Dear Distressed Father,

While we appreciate you reaching out, it is deeply concerning to hear that your child has been flagged under a serious immigration directive. To clarify, you are seeking to understand how a minor could be placed under an Alert List Order (ALO) and what legal remedies are available to resolve this status. First, stay calm, and here’s what you need to know: 

What is an Alert List Order (ALO)? 

An Alert List Order (ALO) is a directive issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines that flags an individual for close monitoring or temporary restriction of entry, exit, or visa issuance, often due to unresolved legal, administrative, or security concerns. 

Common Grounds for Alert List Orders (ALOs) 

Alert List Orders (ALOs) commonly stem from the bureau’s mandate to monitor individuals with unresolved legal or administrative obligations. Common grounds include pending criminal investigations, warrants of arrest, or requests from agencies like the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to intercept “persons of interest.” Administratively, ALOs can also be triggered by immigration violations such as overstaying, unauthorized employment, fraudulent documentation, or broader national security and public safety concerns.

How the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Imposes Alert List Orders (ALOs)

Under BI Operations Order No. SBM-2014-002, pursuant to Section 3 of Commonwealth Act No. 613 (Philippine Immigration Act of 1940), as amended, any person whose name is in the Alert List shall be denied departure and proceeded as follows:

    • If the person is a subject of a warrant of arrest issued by a Court, the subject shall be turned over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) or National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
    • If the inclusion in the list is due to reasons other than a Warrant of Arrest, the passport of the subject shall be confiscated and turned over to the Legal Division. 

In both cases, the primary Immigration Officer shall prepare an Incident Report detailing the subject’s failed attempt to depart, duly noted by the Immigration Supervisor On-Duty, for submission to the Officer of the Commissioner within twenty-four (24) hours therefrom. 

How to Verify the Legal Basis for an Alert List Order (ALO)

During ordinary visa transactions, immigration officers may provide only a brief notification, such as the acronym “ALO” and a reference number noted on the Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF). Since this notation lacks specific details, a formal request for a complete copy of the actual Alert List Order (ALO) must be filed with the Bureau of Immigration (BI). Securing this official document is essential to confirm the underlying reason for the flag, which further enables the identification of the correct legal grounds and the preparation of a targeted petition for ALO lifting. 

How to Lift an Alert List Order (ALO)

After obtaining a copy of the order and determining its legal basis, gather evidence of resolution, such as court clearances, case dismissal papers, or receipts for settled immigration fines. These documents must be attached to a verified petition or motion to lift ALO, addressed to the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) or the Secretary of Justice (depending on which authority imposed the order). 

During processing, the petitioner may need to pay administrative fees and attend clarificatory interviews or hearings. Once approved, it is crucial to ensure the bureau’s database is updated by requesting a Certification of No Derogatory Records, which serves as official proof that the flag has been removed for future travel (Read more about ALO Lifting). 

In your son’s case, the Alert List Order (ALO) likely resulted from an administrative discrepancy between his departure and your subsequent visa downgrading. Under Philippine immigration rules, a 9(g) visa is a contract and company-specific status. Once the principal’s employment terminates, both the principal and all dependents must formally downgrade to 9(a) tourist status to properly close records. 

Because your son exited the Philippines in August 2024—prior to your downgrading in October—his dependent record likely remained “active” or “unresolved” in the Bureau of Immigration (BI) database. This created a status conflict upon re-entry. 

While you can file the petition for ALO lifting on your own, the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) administrative complexities often pose significant hurdles. Engaging an immigration lawyer ensures the petition is strategically and properly filed to address specific legal grounds, thus  minimizing the risk of technical denials and proactively managing potential complications and procedural delays.

I hope this provides a clear explanation and an initial guidance. For any further clarification or assistance with Alert List Order (ALO) verification and lifting, feel free to contact our team at Duran & Duran-Schulze Law. We are located just in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, Metro Manila. You may call us at (02) 8478-5826 (landline) or +639171940482 (mobile), or email info@duranschulze.com.