Airport authorities in Manila have stepped up their security measures after a 52-year-old Chinese businessman was caught with live ammunition and suspected illegal drugs hidden in his shoes.
The incident occurred during routine security screening at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport – Terminal 3. The intercepted ammunition and prohibited substance have been turned over to the Police Aviation Security Group and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, respectively.
“This is a major blow to those attempting to circumvent security. Our robust screening protocols such as the mandatory footwear removal, enable us to effectively identify and intercept prohibited items, ensuring the security of all individuals within transport facilities,” said Undersecretary Ma.O Aplasca, Office for Transportation Security (OTS) administrator.
The OTS has updated and revised its standard operating procedure (SOP) on screening passengers, flight crews, and other airport users.
Aplasca ordered his men to double the security and strictly enforce the footwear removal policy during the final screening of travelers.
The policy aims to enhance the overall security of all passengers and staff, which is aligned with global security standards and best
practices.
Lawmakers and officials from the military and police force, as well as officials from the Manila International Airport Authority and Airport
Police Departments were not exempted from the policy.
The agency advises the public to wear shoes that are easily removable and to adhere to the current rules and regulations regarding the
transportation of liquids, electronics, and other items.
Aplasca emphasized that it is a longstanding policy and practice, which need to be strictly implemented to ensure security at vital
transportation facilities such as airports regardless of the security condition level.
“Let’s be assured that your OTS will always do its best to find the balance between ease of travel and convenience of the passengers
versus implementing necessary security measures. Just like we did when we decided to remove the initial screening at the entrances of the
airports,” he said.
Aplasca said they recognize that the strict implementation of this policy may cause slight inconvenience to the passengers.
“However, we are kindly requesting for their patience and cooperation so that we can achieve what we are ought to do, securing the global
transportation system with our international counterparts. Our committed OTS Security Screening Officers are directed to provide
clear instructions and support throughout the footwear removal process, ensuring minimal disruption to the overall travel experience.”
On Dec. 22, 2001, a man was caught trying to detonate a shoe bomb inside American Airlines flight 63 with 197 passengers on board. The
aircraft was flying from Paris, France to Miami International Airport in the United States.
Alert passengers subdued the suspect Richard Reid and turned him over to airport authorities. The flight was diverted to Logan International
Airport in Boston following the incident.
The post NAIA security hiked after Chinese caught with live ammo, drugs appeared first on Manila Standard.
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