The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that it is ready to roll out the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), a new security measure designed to identify potential threats before travelers enter the Philippines.
According to the BI, APIS is widely used in other countries to perform advance passenger screening, helping authorities assess risks and speed up processing for legitimate travelers.
Melvin Mabulac, BI APIS Operations Center Chief and Deputy Spokesperson, said in an ABS-CBN News report that the system will allow early screening of passengers, improving both security and efficiency at the country’s borders.
The bureau shared that major airlines, including Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, are currently conducting pilot tests with the system, while successful connectivity checks have already been made with INTERPOL’s database for better monitoring of international watchlists.
The BI is also working with global partners, such as the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, to ensure smooth integration of APIS into existing operations.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the launch of APIS, expected within the month, is part of the agency’s push to modernize its services and create a more seamless travel experience.
“With APIS, we are not only strengthening security but also ensuring a more efficient and hassle-free experience for travelers,” Viado said.
