DOTr chief says coordinated gov’t agencies lead to higher aviation security

FILE PHOTO: DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines —The sky is the limit when it comes to creating greater aviation security – it just takes greater cooperation among government agencies, according to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, calling on them to act more proactive and vigilant.

During an inter-agency meeting, Bautista drove home the importance of every concerned government agency’s participation and insights on how to “effectively identify and address [aviation] security risks in this new normal.”

The Office for Transportation Security and heads and representatives of other concerned government agencies held a meeting to discuss the threats in the Philippine aviation sector, a statement from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) disclosed.

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Bautista likewise remarked that the government needs to “prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” mentioning the repercussions of aviation security on the riding public and the country, in general.

“Considering the different agencies present today, your views would hardly overlap, thus the need to determine any blind spots we may overlook,” he said.

“We should not be addressing lapses in security after disastrous incidents had occurred. Let us always be vigilant,” he then stressed.

The DOTr chief also emphasized that existing security protocols should be based on global security standards.

“I urge everyone to benchmark your security protocols with international standards. Remember the issue of removing initial security screening at Naia (Ninoy Aquino International Airport)? It was in keeping with global trends,” he added. —Mae Anne F. Bilolo, intern

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KGA/abc