A globally-recognized system that allows authorities to conduct advance screening of passengers before their arrival, enabling enhanced risk assessment and streamlined immigration procedures was launched by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Considered a major step in modernizing border security, the BI- Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) will have an operations center to be headed by BI Deputy Spokesperson Melvin Mabulac, who emphasized the system’s impact on border security.
“This system allows us to screen passengers in advance, improving risk assessment and expediting the processing of legitimate travelers,” said Mabulac, who said that the United Nations (UN) Office of Counter-Terrorism sponsored the UN API goTravel software that will be used for the said project.
Mabulac said that as part of its phased implementation, the BI has begun pilot testing with major airlines, with Cebu Pacific becoming the first carrier to fully integrate its system with APIS. Philippine Airlines (PAL) and other air carriers are set to follow as part of the ongoing trials. The data collected so far has already proven useful in trend analysis and passenger risk assessment.
Too, he said that the BI has successfully conducted connectivity tests with INTERPOL’s I-24/7 database, ensuring access to global security watchlists for enhanced monitoring. The agency continues to work closely with INTERPOL, airline representatives, and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) to ensure seamless integration and operational efficiency.
