BI to expedite IRR on use of APIS for border control
MANILA, Philippines–Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Morente on Sunday said they will expedite the implementing rules and regulations for Executive Order No. 122 on the strengthening of border control through the adoption and implementation of the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS).
APIS is an electronic communications system that collects the biographic data on passengers or crew which is transmitted to the BI prior to arrival and allows for early vetting on the admissibility of arriving aliens.
Initially, the BI was given 60 days to complete the IRR but with the need to thoroughly examine the arrival of passengers due to the new COVID-19 strain, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra stressed the need for its immediate implementation.
“The API system is very timely, as apart from protecting the country from aliens with derogatory records, it would allow us to deny the boarding of passengers who have a travel history to the UK in the last 14 days, instead of having to detect them upon arrival in the country,” said Morente.
Currently, the BI is implementing a strict 100% passport inspection to determine the travel history of arriving passengers in the last 14 days.
