CAAP steps up security in airports as Holy Week nears

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine airports will implement added security measures starting next week in anticipation of the influx of passengers during the upcoming Holy Week, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced on Thursday.

Under “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2019,” the CAAP said it would put in place measures that would ensure safe, reliable, and convenient operations at all 44 commercial airports in the country from April 8 to April 25.

“Coordination has been made with airlines regarding the efficient processing of their passengers, especially at the check-in counters,” CAAP said in a statement.

“Additional airline personnel will be deployed as needed to accommodate the increase in travelers,” it added.

A maximum deployment of service and security personnel would also be implemented during the entire duration of the Holy Week following a “no leave and day-off” policy, CAAP said.

The agency has also coordinated with the Office for Transport Security (OTS) for baggage screenings and the Philippines National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-ASG) for perimeter security and surveillance.

Hotlines would be fully operational and properly-manned to report incidents in real time to the CAAP Operations Center.

CAAP also said help desks manned by duty officers will be set-up to accommodate passenger concerns.

It reminded travelers not to bring prohibited items to airports and to stow all belongings in their carry-on baggage for faster processing at the screening checkpoints./ac