MANILA, Philippines — A global border security expert is set to meet with Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Anthony Viado on Tuesday, as the Philippines faces mounting challenges in human and child trafficking, alongside increasing pressure on its border control systems.
Sharon Ayley, chief executive officer and secretary of the International Border Management and Technologies Association (IBMATA), is expected to discuss urgent security concerns and recommend reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s border defenses.
Speaking at a press conference, Ayley highlighted the complexity of managing the Philippines’ borders, noting that the country’s numerous ports of entry pose a significant operational challenge.
“The biggest factor and the most challenging factor is having multiple ports of entry, which puts additional pressure on our border agency,” she said.
To address this, Ayley stressed the need for standardized systems across all entry points to ensure consistency and efficiency in monitoring travelers.
Push for smarter, tech-driven borders
Ayley is advocating for the adoption of risk-based border management systems, which include biometric verification and automated e-gates — technologies already being implemented in other countries.
These systems allow low-risk travelers to pass through quickly while enabling authorities to focus on high-risk individuals, including suspected trafficking victims and perpetrators.
“The key is risk-based, data integration — bringing together travel history, behavioral indicators, and watch lists in real time,” Ayley explained.
She added that advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) could help flag unusual travel patterns, while biometric systems ensure that travelers’ identities are legitimate.
PH among top sources of trafficking victims
The urgency of these reforms comes as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) previously identified the Philippines as the second leading country of origin for trafficking victims, with 13,313 Filipinos among over 125,000 victims recorded worldwide.
Ayley warned that evolving global conditions — including economic strain linked to conflicts abroad — are making more Filipinos vulnerable to exploitation.
Technology not enough
Despite emphasizing innovation, Ayley cautioned that technology alone cannot solve the problem.
“Fundamentally, it is inter-agency cooperation that is most important,” she said. “Technology works best when combined with well-trained officers who can identify suspicious behavior and intervene.”
She also underscored the importance of collaboration among government agencies, as well as partnerships with international organizations like the IOM, to share intelligence and best practices.
Communities key to prevention
Beyond enforcement, Ayley pointed to public awareness as a critical line of defense.
With rising living costs putting pressure on families, traffickers are increasingly targeting vulnerable communities, including children.
“That’s where it begins — making sure people are aware of how traffickers operate,” she said, emphasizing the role of parents and communities in spotting early warning signs.
IBMATA has been working with regional and global partners to conduct training, workshops, and strategy-building initiatives aimed at curbing trafficking and strengthening border security.
Ayley is expected to return to the Asia-Pacific region for an upcoming IBMATA event, signaling continued collaboration with the Philippines and neighboring countries on addressing cross-border threats.
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