TO help improve Philippine border security, a United States (US) government-led training on international passenger interdiction with Philippine border agencies was held in Clark from June 20 to 24.

The training was spearheaded by the US Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) Program and the US Customs Border Protection (CBP) with the Philippine Bureau of Customs (BoC) and Bureau of Immigration (BoI).

According to the US Embassy in the Philippines, the training HOSTED 21 OFfiCERS OF THE BOC AND the BoI from the Clark, Manila, Cebu and Davao ports of entry.

The US Embassy said the EXBS program provides assistance to the Philippine government to improve its border security capabilities, strengthen its strategic trade management system, and improve its capabilities in preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

During the training, Dr. Jesus Llorando, Customs Deputy Collector, said there is a need for close collaboration with Philippine border agencies such as the BoC and the BoI.

On the other hand, Ma-an Krista Lapid-Legaspi, Immigration-Clark Terminal head supervisor, highlighted the importance of passenger interdiction training and the partnership between CBP and BoC.

Ransom Avilla, EXBS Regional Advisor, also noted the unique CHALLENGES AND BENEfiTS OF BORDER security and regulatory agencies working side by side.

Avilla noted that in the light of the pandemic, this iteration of the international passenger interdiction training is very timely as the world borders start to open once again.

“While the focus at the borders has been guarding against Covid19-infected passengers, we need to focus again on suspicious travelers who may take advantage of the disruption the pandemic has brought,” Avilla said.

The US Embassy said the training also included a visit to Clark International Airport for the participants to see the challenges of opening the newest airport in the Philippines. The airport opened to passengers on May 2.

Also during the discussion, CBP Attaché Pete Acosta noted the similarities of the US international arrival process with those implemented at Clark International Airport.

Through CBP trainers Gerard Bradley and Lisa Caselli, the participants were able to see the latest security features of passports and how they could better identify and detect imposters’ attempts to illegally enter a country.