THE Manila International Airport Authority has deployed security personnel armed with assault rifles, machine pistols and bullet-proof vests to four airport terminals following reports of possible attack in Metro Manila by a foreign terrorist group.
But MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal said the public, especially air travelers, should not be alarmed by the heightened alert status being enforced at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, adding that the sight of armed security men is good for the passenger’s peace of mind.
“It is just part of a security measures to protect our passengers, the facilities and of course the airport users,” he said.
MIAA came up with the heighten alert after the Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines reported that a foreign terrorist was able to sneak into the country using the southern backdoor.
The said terrorist is now the subject of manhunt operations by the AFP and the Philippine National Police.
Airport authorities expects thousands of air travelers going to and coming from Manila in time for the observance of Lent next week.
Monreal ordered his key officials to put in place heightened security measures and emphasized that public safety is the topmost priority of the administration.
“We have coordinated with the PNP-Aviation Security Group and directed Office of Transport Security baggage screeners to remain vigilant and conduct thorough inspection only when needed. We do not want to cause inconvenience in the process by creating long lines at the baggage screening checkpoints,” he said.
Monreal said security personnel at checkpoints will also conduct random rigid inspections on motor vehicles. He advised the public to obey for their own protection.
The airport chief stressed the need for consistent visibility of security personnel in airport facilities to prevent untoward incidents and to deter lawless elements from conducting activities detrimental to passengers.
Metro Manila police director Oscar Albayalde said they have not yet received a report on the possible terror threat even as he also raised the security alert for the capital.
MIAA has installed high-tech cameras in each immigration counter at the Naia to capture images of all departing and arriving passengers in line with the heightened security measure.
Reports showed that some foreigners who helped the terrorist Maute group in Mindanao came from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Chechnya in Russia and Morocco.