BI attends human trafficking, transnational crime summit

December 22, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) recently joined more than 20 other countries in Tokyo, Japan and discussed similar challenges such as human trafficking and transnational crime.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado attended the 5th Tokyo Immigration Service hosted by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan from Dec. 10 to 12.

Among the other countries present were Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the United States and Turkey.

Viado delivered the country’s statement during the plenary session on recently introduced immigration measures, which focused on digital transformation initiatives.

The commissioner discussed the shared challenges faced by immigration authorities worldwide, including irregular migration, human trafficking, transnational crime and evolving threats to border security.

“These are challenges no country can address alone. Forums like this allow us to cooperate, learn from one another and build border systems that are secure, efficient, humane and responsive to the demands of lawful travel and economic growth,” said Viado.

At the forum, he mentioned the Philippines’ ongoing immigration reforms and presented the bureau’s Bagong Immigration agenda that prioritizes public service excellence, empowered personnel, robust law enforcement, operational efficiency, responsive infrastructure and modernization through technology.

Among the key initiatives shared were the implementation of the Advance Passenger Information System, the expansion of electronic gates and biometric systems at major ports of entry, the establishment of a dedicated OFW Wing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, the launch of the Cruise Visa Waiver Program and the continued rollout of online services through the BI’s eServices and the government’s eTravel platform.

The forum also tackled best practices in recruitment and human resource development for immigration officers, health and hygiene management for detainees and the future of border control through new technologies and digitalization.