MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) intercepted a Hong Kong national tagged in an Interpol alert for alleged drug trafficking upon his arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.

Chiang Yiu Wai, 62, was flagged even before landing through the BI’s Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS), which identified him as a potential security threat linked to international narcotics operations.

The alert triggered rapid coordination between the BI’s APIS Operations Center and airport-based operating units, allowing agents to implement exclusion procedures the moment Chiang stepped off the plane.

“The early detection of this individual demonstrates the strength of our APIS system and the importance of strong inter-agency and international cooperation,” said Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado. “This proactive approach ensures that threats are dealt with even before they set foot on Philippine soil.”

Chiang will be sent back to his country on the next available flight. The BI also confirmed his name will be added to its blacklist, permanently barring him from reentering the Philippines.

APIS, currently integrated with 13 international airlines including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Singapore Airlines, screens over half of all incoming flights. The BI said Qatar Airways will start submitting advance passenger data to APIS beginning July 20, further expanding the country’s border security net.