CCTV cameras are nearly everywhere, but CAAP admits it has none

MANILA, Philippines — It’s almost everywhere – from stores to malls and other establishments. CCTV cameras keep watch 24/7. But the one place you won’t find it?

The room which houses the air navigational system of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has no closed-circuit television (CCTVs) because of the supposed rigorous protocol.

During the Senate committee on public services hearing on Thursday, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri asked CAAP Director General Manuel Tamayo if  CCTVs in the communications, navigation, and surveillance/air traffic management (CNS/ATM) system room is equipped with security cameras.

Zubiri wanted to know what transpired during the New Year’s Day airport fiasco.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have any CCTV coverage inside the equipment room, but in other areas of the facility, we have,” Tamayo said.

Zubiri further pressed: “Are you trying to tell me that in the most sensitive portion of the functions and navigational equipment of our country, which is the CNS/ATM room, we have no CCTV?”

Tamayo said that Zubiri is correct.

The CAAP official, however, stressed that they have “very strict” protocols in the facility.

“We have implemented very strict security protocols as far as the CNS/ATM is concerned, and more specifically, the ATMC [Air Traffic Management Center] Building, not just anybody can enter,” Tamayo said.

“In fact, you need a special ID [identification card] or key just to be able to have access aside from having 24/7 security at all times,” he added.

The Senate panel is investigating the air traffic fiasco which affected at least 65,000 passengers on January 1.

It was reported that a power outage downed the air navigation facilities, leading to the diversion, cancellation, and postponement of hundreds of flights.

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Air traffic system glitch diverts all flights in Manila

JPV/abc