The Department of Justice (DoJ) on Thursday revealed that the Philippines has become the seventh country globally to implement an advanced United Nations (UN) passenger screening system aimed at bolstering border security and countering terrorism.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) is a “testament to several years of collaboration, commitment, and shared determination to enhance national security to ensure safe and efficient travel.”

The system — launched in Manila — allows the Philippines to focus resources on genuine threats at its borders while ensuring smooth passage for legitimate travelers, said Christine Bradley, UN Office of Counter-Terrorism Countering Terrorist Travel Section chief.

It also detects high-risk individuals by running passenger data through national and international watch lists, including Interpol databases, before travel.

Bradley said the system is designed to prevent the movement of terrorists but also has broader applications in fighting transnational crime, including human trafficking and organized criminal syndicates.

Asked if the system could help address local concerns such as illegal offshore gaming operators and other transnational crimes, Bradley said, “It would be effective for anyone on a national watch list, whether that be for criminal activity or terrorism.”

“It also includes anyone listed in Interpol systems, whether they’re subject to red notices or other alerts,” she added.

Concerns about privacy were addressed by Bradley, who assured the public that the system complies with strict international standards, including those under Annex 9 of the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.