PH hosts ARF workshop on aviation security
THE Philippines recently hosted the Third ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Workshop on Aviation Security and Information Sharing in Manila to tackle threats to air travel and ensure the safety of passengers and aviation personnel.
Australia and the United States co-chaired the workshop where topics such as challenges in counter-terrorism and aviation security in the region, tools such as Advance Passenger Information or API and Passenger Name Record or PNR, risk assessments and information sharing, watchlisting and its redress, and human rights considerations, and sharing of best practices, among others, were discussed.
“These are important conversations that allow our relevant agencies to tackle threats to air travel and ensure the safety of not just passengers but also aviation personnel,” DFA Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Daniel R. Espiritu told delegates.
The activity, which is the last iteration of the workshop, involved both physical and virtual participants.
The first workshop was held physically in 2019 in Malaysia, while the second was held virtually in 2021.
Espiritu said the convening of the workshop is fitting and proper as air travel resumes and aviation security again becomes a concern.
“Because the threats of terrorism and, more specifically, foreign terrorist fighters have not been stopped by our preoccupation with the pandemic, this workshop reiterates the importance of strengthening aviation security and border control measures,” he said.
The delegates also toured the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and observed its facilities. By Cristina Lee-Pisco
