AIRPORT BOMB ALERT
THE 42 commercial airports of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) are on heightened alert since yesterday following a warning received by the Air Traffic Service via email that aircrafts from Manila bound for Puerto Princesa, Mactan-Cebu, Bicol and Davao International Airports will be blasted by a bomb.
While the information is currently under validation, immediate enhanced security measures are being implemented across all airports.
In a memorandum issued by retired AFP Major Gen. Ricardo C. Banayat, Assistant Director General II of the CAAP Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS), all CAAP airports and area centers shall augment adequate security personnel to manage the expected high volume of passengers and vehicle traffic.
This is to ensure the safety and security of passengers, airport personnel, and the airport’s facilities, Banayat said.
Stringent access control procedures for both personnel and vehicles will be implemented, accompanied with thorough inspections of passengers and cargoes.
CAAP-CSIS personnel are now in collaboration with the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) and the military to intensify intelligence and monitor operations with other security units.
Continuous foot and mobile patrols are also being conducted within both the airside and landside areas of the airport complex.
Airport Security Coordination meetings will also be convened with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the strict implementation of security measures aimed at preventing any unlawful interference with civil aviation.
“We advise passengers who will be traveling internationally to arrive at the airport at least three (3) hours before their scheduled flight to avoid any inconvenience. We also urge the public to cooperate fully with security personnel and to remain vigilant while at the airport. Safety and security remain our top priorities, and these measures are being taken to safeguard all those who use our airports,” Banayat said.
