President Benigno Aquino III has ordered the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to impose heavier security activities around Philippine transportation facilities and terminals in the wake of the recent attacks in Brussels.
“In view of the latest bombing incident in Brussels airport, President Aquino has directed Transportation Secretary (Joseph Emilio) Abaya to further strengthen security measures to ensure public safety in all airports, sea ports and bus and mass transport terminals and stations,” Communications secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a statement.
Coloma said security measures include vehicle checkpoints, X-ray screening processes, and inspection of persons and bags upon entry at airport terminals.
“These measures have been implemented in the Philippines’ international airports that are observing more stringent security measures than those observed in Brussels and other international airports,” Coloma said.
He added that Aquino has instructed all concerned government agencies “to review and further strengthen security measures and exert maximum efforts to ensure the safety and convenience of travellers and the riding public.”
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) in a separate statement said the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is “on heightened alert to ensure safety and security of the flying public.”
This, MIAA said, entails the strict implementation of security measures, including stringent screening of vehicles, passengers, and baggage.
Heavy screening may take more time, the airport authority noted. “Management apologizes for the inconvenience this may cause especially during this Lenten period of increased travels,” MIAA said.
Passengers were advised “to be at the airport early.”
Meanwhile, airport security forces have been ordered to be extra vigilant in carrying out their duty. MIAA said the Airport Police Department is working closely with the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group in surveillance operations.
On March 22, two explosions were set off at Brussels’ Zaventem airport and another one in the Maelbeek metro station, killing at least 30 people and wounding 230 others. The Islamic State group in a statement claimed it was behind the coordinated attacks, but authorities said it was too soon to say for sure.
