The Department of Transportation (DOTr) assured the public that security measures are employed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) following the advisory posed by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
According to DOTr, the Manila International Airport Authority and the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) “are giving utmost priority and attention to the implementation of strict security measures at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.”
DOTr added that international assessment bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regarded NAIA’s safety and security measures as “generally satisfactory”.
DOTr added that equipment such as x-ray machines, walk-through metal detectors, and alarm systems, will be installed and utilized in the 2nd quarter of 2019.
“Procurement of such is already under process, but this will take time because the items are not off-the-shelf and will require lead time for manufacturing and delivery following government rules and regulations,” DOTr said.
Aside from the installment of new equipment, background checks and re-trainings on NAIA’s security staff will also be conducted.
DHS issued a travel warning for its citizens to the NAIA due for the gateway’s failure to meet aviation security measures.
In a photo posted by Jude Talamera Ye on Facebook, the travel advisory reads: “Passengers are advised that the Secretary of Homeland Security has determined that Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, Republic of the Philippines, does not maintain and carry out effective aviation security measures.”
Netizens who replied to the post said that the same signage is displayed in other airports in the United States.
