MANILA — Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal ordered on Wednesday an enhanced security at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), following a bombing incident in Basilan on Tuesday.
Reports say a bomb inside a van exploded and killed 11 people in Basilan. Authorities are investigating the incident, looking at a possible suicide bombing or terrorist attack.
“While there is no additional deployment of security personnel, there will be 100-percent manning of posts in all shifts,” MIAA Public Affairs Department’s officer-in-charge, Ma. Consuelo Bungag told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Passengers should expect that security officers and K9 would be more visible and proactive.
MIAA recently procured hybrid explosive detection equipment, and this will be used for random inspections.
“At present, there are eight pieces of hybrid detection device in NAIA,” Bungag said.
Police officers will also increase the frequency of vehicle checks.
Meanwhile, Monreal is advising passengers not to panic and just go on with necessary check-in procedures.
The airport chief also instructed all terminal managers to ensure efficiency in every screening equipment.
He noted that the security enhancements are all for the benefit of the public, and thus, passengers should cooperate since these are all for their safety. (Ma. Cristina Arayata/PNA)
