President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (File photo)
PRRD OKAYS API SYSTEM TO ENHANCE BORDER CONTROL By Azer Parrocha President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the implementation of the Advance Passenger Information (API) System to strengthen border control through the strict and intensified enforcement of Philippine immigration laws. Duterte on Tuesday signed Executive Order No. 122 pushing the adoption of the API System (APIS) which refers to an electronic communications system that collects biographic Caraga INFOCUS
data from machine readable passports, other official travel documents or basic details provided by commercial carriers. “An APIS may either be interactive or noninteractive/batch style and shall include other program or system authorized or recommended under pertinent international standards and guidelines,” the order read. Aside from strict enforcement of
immigration laws to enhance the Philippine border control, Duterte emphasized the upgrading of screening capacity “to enhance border integrity, manage international traffic flow amidst dramatic growth in passenger numbers, and ensure public safety and security.” Under the EO, the captain, master or agent, or owner of a commercial carrier whose vessel or aircraft is arriving in or departing from any port December 12-18, 2020 |
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