The government will consider the recommendations of the US Department of Homeland Security on how to tighten security and safety measures at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport after the agency issued a travel advisory warning of lax practices there, the Palace said Friday,
In a statement Thursday, the DHS said Manila “does not maintain and carry out effective security consistent with the security standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization.”
“In view of this finding and effective immediately, airlines issuing tickets for travel between the United States and MNL are directed to notify passengers in writing of this determination,” the DHS advisory said.
The US agency said its findings were based on the assessments made by a team of security experts from the Transportation Security Administration.
Despite these findings, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo assured the public that the government was giving priority to carrying out strict security measures at the NAIA.
Ensuring the safety of the traveling public is one of the Duterte administration’s critical interests to fend off looming threat of terrorism, he added.
“We intend to utilize the inputs of our global partners, including international assessment bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization whose latest security audit findings were found to be ‘generally satisfactory’ with ICAO standards of safety and security,” he added.
Panelo said the government plans to procure more X-ray machines, walk-through metal detectors and alarm systems, which will be installed by the second quarter of 2019.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, meanwhile, said the US advisory did not mean the NAIA was vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
“I think they just saw some lapses in NAIA. The manager of NAIA [told me] that they are addressing or trying to say that all those things are not true. But I believe that they are on track on addressing these concerns for us not be blacklisted,” he said.
He said airport security forces are always on the alert for any possible threats.
Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Eddie Monreal said the US advisory should not be a cause for alarm, and said there was nothing in the advisory that could not be addressed.
He said “enhancements” have been put in place to ensure secure flights for everyone.
Senator JV Ejercito brushed off the travel advisory, saying the long lines at the country’s premier airport were proof of tight security.
Passengers must go through at least two security checkpoints before entering the premises, he said. Those traveling to the US have to go through three checks.
“I don’t believe our security at NAIA is lax. This can likely be the condition in our provincial airports, but not at NAIA,” he said.