MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday said it successfully intercepted an international fugitive upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.

Senior Immigration Officer Melvin Mabulac, Officer-in-Charge of the APIS Operations Center (APOC) Passenger, reported that Nizar Chomayil, 48, an Indian national wanted by authorities in Qatar, was detected through an INTERPOL alert generated by the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) while the aircraft was still airborne.

Upon detection by APOC, the information was immediately coordinated with the BI INTERPOL Unit and relayed to BI personnel at NAIA Terminal 1, allowing authorities to prepare and execute the appropriate enforcement action upon his arrival.

The operational deployment of APIS in the Philippines is supported by the Government of Australia through the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism under its Countering Terrorist Travel Programme. The system enables advance passenger screening, allowing immigration authorities to identify fugitives, persons of interest, and other high-risk travelers before they reach Philippine ports of entry.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado highlighted the crucial role of the APIS Operations Center in safeguarding national security and public order, noting that the timely detection and swift, coordinated response demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led and technology-driven border management.

The interception underscores the Philippine government’s commitment to digital innovation, strong inter-agency coordination, and international partnerships in combating transnational crime and ensuring public safety.