The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Sunday reported a recent success of its Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) in the August 6 arrest of a construction contractors couple wanted in connection with a ₱200-million estafa case in Mindanao projects.
The couple, Miguel Santiago Syjuco and Nicole Lorraine Syjuco, are co-owners of Draco Builders. They were intercepted at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after APIS flagged their active warrants of arrest issued by Manila RTC Branch 20.
APIS enables advance passenger screening by linking with airline data before arrival. With 17 airlines already integrated—including Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines—the system now covers over 63% of nationwide flights.
“This success story underscores the value of APIS not only in immigration facilitation but also in safeguarding national security,” Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said.
The initiative forms part of the government’s compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to digitalize public services for more efficient and secure operations.
Authorities affirmed that APIS will remain a vital tool in detecting and preventing the movement of individuals facing criminal charges, further reinforcing the Philippines’ commitment to secure its borders and uphold the rule of law.
In a related development, Viado joined the 28th ASEAN Directors-General of Immigration Departments and Heads of Consular Affairs Divisions of Ministries of Foreign Affairs Meeting (DGICM) and related meetings held on August 12–14, 2025, in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.
The DGICM is ASEAN’s annual gathering of immigration and consular leaders to strengthen regional cooperation on border management and security.
Commissioner Viado and other BI officials also attended forums on people smuggling, immigration intelligence, and checkpoint operations, and held consultations with counterparts from Australia, China, Japan, and South Korea.
During the discussions, the BI highlighted its modernization efforts—including the APIS, Cruise Visa Waiver, eServices portal, eTravel, electronic gates, and the Civil Aviation and Immigration Security Services Project. These initiatives aim to safeguard Philippine borders while promoting seamless travel.
Working with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the BI also presented upcoming projects such as the Digital Nomad Visa and the e-Visa system.
“We will not stop in our work to secure our borders from external threats. We will continue to improve our capacities and work together with our counterparts to further ensure the safety and security of the region,” the BI said.
