The United States’ Department of Homeland Security on Thursday issued advisory warning travelers about the security at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
In a statement published on its website, the DHS said the airport “does not maintain and carry out effective security consistent with the security standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization.”
But the authorities in Manila assured air travelers they were giving utmost priority and attention to the implementation of strict security measures at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
The Manila International Airport Authority, the Office for Transportation Security and the Department of Transportation gave their assurances following the DHS’ advisory.
“There is no cause for alarm even as we put in place enhancements following the recommendations of the US Transportation Security Administration. There is nothing among these recommendations that cannot be addressed,” said MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal.
“Rest assured these improvements are not intended to put a burden on the passengers. These are being done to ensure a secured flight for everyone.”
The DHS said its findings were based on the assessments by a team of security experts from the Transportation Security Administration.
The DHS has instructed the airlines that issue tickets between the US and Manila to notify passengers about their advisory in writing.
It has also required the display of the advisory in US airports with regularly scheduled flights to Manila and based on a GMA News report, some airports have already started to do this.
According to the report, a Filipino posted a photo on social media that shows the advisory in an airport in Hawaii.
The DHS’ statement says it, together with the Department of State, Department of Transportation and TSA representatives have been working with the Philippine government to improve security at the NAIA.
The Philippines’ Department of Transportation has also issued a statement about the DHS’s travel advisory.
The department says it is giving priority to the “implementation of strict security measures” at the NAIA.