In partnership with the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism, the Bureau of Immigration recently hosted the inaugural gathering of the Southeast Asia Regional Informal Working Group on Advance Passenger Information, Passenger Name Record and other data gathered from passengers travelling by air and sea.

Some 100 delegates from over 10 nations and member states, representing law enforcement, civil aviation and counterterrorism agencies, attended the kickoff event for the two-day forum on 6 December.

According to the Bureau, the goal of the IWG is to give every participant a thorough understanding of the processes involved in developing national PNR and API systems, as well as the related Passenger Information Units.

Traveler information, including passport numbers, addresses and contact information, is contained in API and PNR data. This information is available to travelers both before and after they book their tickets.

The BI added that the said data are integral to the Bureau's Advance Passenger Information System, where advance data are received by the BI for prior vetting and trend analysis to be used in better border management. This system would add another layer of security to protecting the country against external threats, including international terrorists.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco highlighted the goal of having a shared understanding among member states in the use of API and PNR data, to provide a platform for peer-to-peer support and foster mutual learning among the states.

"We are convening here and now on matters that are critical to global peace and regional security at a time when geopolitical forces, as well as international trade, are moving at breakneck speed," Tansingco said in a statement.