by Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA
MANILA — The United States expressed confidence the Philippine aviation security would improve, as it cited “active support” to the Department of Transportation in the modernization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
“We are collaborating closely with the Philippines Department of Transportation and related agencies, and have every confidence in their leadership and their commitment to improve aviation security,” US Ambassador to Manila Sung Kim said Thursday.
The statement came following a travel advisory issued by the US Homeland Security, warning travelers that NAIA, Manila’s primary airport, “does not carry out effective aviation security measures.”
According to the US Embassy in Manila, Washington continues its support to the Philippine efforts to improve security.
The US State Department has recently approved USD5 million for airport security improvements at NAIA, to include critical training and technology improvements.
On the other hand, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provided Aviation Security Advisors to the Philippine government to assist in the development and implementation of corrective measures at NAIA.
The TSA also conducted an analysis of NAIA security operations and provided recommendations on technology use and maintenance, streamlining screening operations, and modernization of NAIA security infrastructure, the Embassy added.
“Philippine authorities have worked diligently to improve security measures and we fully expect that they will soon meet ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) security standards,” Kim said.
