CAAP, BI strengthen aviation security, passenger vetting

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) signed a strategic partnership agreement on Tuesday establishing a joint operational framework to bolster airport security, passenger processing and border control protocols.

CAAP director general Raul del Rosario and Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado formalized the memorandum of understanding during a signing ceremony at the BI headquarters in Intramuros, Manila.

The agreement establishes formal mechanisms for real-time intelligence sharing, coordinated response protocols during flight disruptions or airport emergencies, air transport facilitation, and joint capacity-building training for aviation and border control personnel.

The inter-agency partnership directly supports the operational deployment of Executive Order 122, which mandates the implementation of the Advance Passenger Information System across Philippine international airports.

The digital system enables immigration and security authorities to screen passenger manifests and perform threat assessments prior to flight arrivals and departures.

Del Rosario stressed that passenger trust relies on seamless inter-agency coordination across national aviation hubs, noting that operational confidence is sustained through integrated security measures.

Viado cited that the formal relationship between both agencies advances a whole-of-government approach to border security, addressing complex regional travel challenges while safeguarding domestic and international passengers.