PH Border Security Upgraded via UN’s ‘goTravel’ Software
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Bureau of Immigration (BI), in partnership with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), launched the Philippines’ Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), supported by the United Nations (UN) ‘goTravel’ software, to modernize national border management.
The APIS is a globally recognized electronic data interchange system that provides customs and immigration authorities pre-arrival and departure data on all passengers and crew members for purposes of aviation security and border control. Powered by the ‘goTravel’ software solution, this advanced system enables law enforcement officers to utilize such data for advanced and automated analysis and transmission of findings to relevant authorities for necessary action. This will facilitate detection and prevention of security threats and seamless entry procedures while safeguarding data and privacy of persons.
To ensure effective integration of the software, the BI has begun pilot testing of the software with major airlines, with Cebu Pacific being the first carrier to fully integrate its system with APIS. The agency has also conducted connectivity tests with INTERPOL’s I-24/7 database to ensure access to global security watchlists for enhanced monitoring.
This project is pursuant to a 2021 Memorandum of Understanding between the Philippine Government and UNOCT on the UN Countering Terrorist Travel (CT Travel) Programme. The CT Travel Programme is the UNOCT’s flagship project which provides assistance to beneficiary Member States in establishing a national Advance Passenger Information System and strengthening the country’s capabilities to detect and counter terrorism and serious crimes using passenger data. The donation and deployment of the United Nations ‘goTravel’ software system is part of the support package. This cooperation was also financially supported by the Government of Australia.
“Ensuring the security of our borders is not just about stopping threats before they arrive, it is about building a system of trust and cooperation that allows us to work seamlessly with our partners at home and abroad. […] Threats do not stop at national borders and neither should our efforts to combat them,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla emphasized that the initiative would establish a “more proactive approach to national security and better intelligence sharing”. He also added that this will prevent travel document fraud and strengthen risk assessments.
Similarly, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated that this new system will not only strengthen security but also ensure “a more efficient and hassle-free experience for travelers.”
The Philippines is now the seventh Member State and the first country in the ASEAN Community to utilize the ‘goTravel’ software.