(Eagle News)–The Palace is “looking into” the United States’ Department of Homeland Security’s advisory on what it said were substandard security measures implemented at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the government was taking into consideration the recommendations given by the US “particularly as regards the safety of our airports.”
“Ensuring the safety of the traveling public is one of the critical interests of our government in view of the looming threat of terrorism,” Panelo said.
According to Panelo, “we intend to utilize the inputs of our global partners, including international assessment bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) whose latest security audit findings were found to be ‘generally satisfactory’ with ICAO standards of safety and security.”
He said that while the procurement of more X-ray machines, walk-through metal detectors, as recommended by the US DHS would take time, the Department of Transportation, the Manila International Airport Authority and the Office for Transportation Security were implementing strict security measures there.
MIAA has said they have complied with seven of the 16 recommendations put forth by the US.
In the advisory, the DHS required all airlines traveling to Manila from the US to advise their passengers in writing of the security situation at the NAIA.