BORDER PROTECTION. A total of 36 Bureau of Immigration personnel from Davao International Airport undergo training on impostor detection and passenger assessment in Davao City on June 27, 2024. Experts from the Canada Border Services Agency conducted the training. (Photo courtesy of BI)
MANILA – Thirty-six Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel participated in a specialized training session including impostor detection conducted by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in Davao City.
The immigration and technical officers of the Davao International Airport (DIA) attended the training on June 27, according to a news release on Sunday.
Greg Fiddy, CBSA International Network manager for Asia-Pacific South, and Lisa Harding, CBSA temporary duty liaison officer, conducted the session which focused on detecting and preventing fraudulent travel using impostor detection techniques.
“The training is crucial for improving our border management capabilities,” BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement. “The expertise shared by the CBSA will help our officers better detect impostors and assess passengers effectively.”
The training covered essential techniques in impostor detection and passenger assessment, providing BI officers with practical tools to strengthen the Philippines’ border security.
“Effective border management is key to national security. Investing in the training of our personnel ensures that we are prepared to address potential threats at our borders,” Tansingco added.
He pointed out the value of international cooperation in border security.
“Our collaboration with the CBSA demonstrates the importance of global partnerships in enhancing border management. We appreciate the contributions of the Canadian government in enhancing the capabilities of our frontliners,” he said.
Also on June 5, the BI signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Australian government, focusing on cooperation in migration management and border control.
“Our collaboration will help deter terrorist movements, combat people smuggling, and address transnational crimes,” Tansingco said after the signing held in Makati City.
The MOU is part of the Philippines-Australia Plan of Action 2023-2026 which supports the Joint Declaration signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Manila on Sept. 8, 2023, which elevated the countries’ bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership. (PNA)
