Palace: Advance passenger info system implementation to be ‘mandatory’

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

FILE: Passengers at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City queue at the check-in counter on Sunday (Jan. 1, 2023). (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)

MANILA – Airlines will be required to integrate the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) into their system once the phased implementation becomes successful, Malacañang said on Friday.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) earlier launched the APIS, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance national security through digital transformation.

“Once everything is smooth, lahat na po ng airlines ay ima-mandatory na po na magsagawa na rin po ng APIS,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

This, as Castro noted that local carrier Cebu Pacific was the first to fully integrate the APIS into its system.

“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,” she said.

Castro said the APIS is a globally recognized system that allows authorities to conduct advance screening of passengers before their arrival, enabling enhanced risk assessment and streamlined immigration procedures.

Castro said the Philippine Airlines (PAL) and other air carriers are set to follow, as part of the ongoing trials.

The BI earlier said the APIS aims to screen passengers in advance, in an effort to improve risk assessment and expedite the processing of legitimate travelers.

The BI conducted connectivity tests with the International Criminal Police Organization’s (Interpol) I-24/7 database, ensuring access to global security watchlists for enhanced monitoring.

The agency is also working closely with the Interpol, airline representatives, and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism to ensure seamless integration and operational efficiency.