A border security expert will meet with Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Anthony Viado on Tuesday to tackle problems the country is facing regarding human and child trafficking and other security matters.
"The biggest factor and the most challenging factor is on having multiple ports of entry which does put additional pressure on our border agency," said Sharon Ayley, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of the International Border Management and Technologies Association (IBMATA), in a press conference.
"The best way of managing that is by standardizing solutions across your border," she added.
As a leading non-profit organization, IBMATA brings together governments, industry stakeholders, and experts from around the world to share real-world experiences, address border challenges, and exchange best practices.
In a previous interview, Ayley recommended that the BI adopt risk-based border management systems, including biometric verification and automated e-gates.
These measures allow low-risk travelers to move efficiently while enabling authorities to focus on high-risk cases, including potential trafficking incidents.
Ayley also called on the Philippine government to maximize the use of technology as a critical step in combating child and sex trafficking and online sexual exploitation in the country.
She stressed that advanced technologies can serve as a frontline defense in identifying and preventing trafficking cases, especially amid current global pressures affecting vulnerable populations.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) earlier identified the Philippines as the second leading country of origin for trafficking victims, with 13,313 Filipinos recorded among more than 125,000 victims identified globally.
“The key is risk-based, data integration, bringing together travel history, behavioral indicators, and watch lists in real time," she said, adding that advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) can help flag unusual travel patterns.
She also pointed out that biometric identification systems can help ensure that travelers are legitimate and that identities are genuine.
These tools, she emphasized, can act as a protective barrier by flagging potential victims and traffickers before exploitation occurs.
However, Ayley underscored that technology alone cannot solve the problem, saying that strong inter-agency cooperation remains the most critical component in combating trafficking.
“Fundamentally, it is inter-agency cooperation that is most important. Technology works best when combined with well-trained officers who have the skills and instinct to identify suspicious behavior and intervene when necessary," she said.
Ayley also said that IBMATA has been actively working with global and regional partners, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), to develop strategies and conduct workshops aimed at combating trafficking and strengthening border security systems.
Beyond technology, IBMATA highlighted the importance of public awareness and education as the first line of defense, where families and communities play a crucial role in recognizing early warning signs and preventing children from falling victim to traffickers.
With prices of goods increasing due to the Middle East conflict, families are becoming more vulnerable to trafficking.
“I think that’s where it begins -- making sure people are aware of how traffickers operate and how they target vulnerable individuals,” Ayley explained, pointing out that parents and communities play a key role in preventing it from happening.
Ayley is set to return to the Asia-Pacific region for IBMATA’s upcoming event as part of its continued engagement with regional partners.
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