Gatchalian asks DOTr to raise airport alert for possible blasts

By: John Eric Mendoza - 1 year ago

GATCHALIAN SAYS PNOC SHOULD FOCUS ON OIL, GAS: Sen. Win Gatchalian believes that the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) should remain focused on its mandate to improve the energy security situation of the country through oil and gas exploration and development. Gatchalian made this statement as he presided over the Finance Subcommittee hearing which tackled the proposed 2024 budgets of the PNOC, the National Power Corporation (NPC), and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) on Friday, September 22, 2023. Gatchalian said that while he respects PNOC's corporate decision to focus on renewable energy, including the use of electric vehicles, the corporation was created with a charter and a mission to find oil and gas and achieve energy security for the country. The PNOC proposes a corporate budget of P1.96 billion, while NPC and PSALM propose P41.4 billion and P201.42 billion, respectively, for 2024. (Joseph B. Vidal/Senate PRIB)

Senator Win Gatchalian (File photo from Joseph B. Vidal/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — A senator on Friday urged the Department of Transportation to tighten airport security to avoid possible explosions.

Senator Win Gatchalian said extra land, air, and sea travel preparations are necessary due to the expected increase of exodus from Metro Manila for Undas (All Saints’ Day) and Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

“When it comes to air travel, it is imperative to implement rigorous measures to prevent any recurrence of a bomb explosion, including robust security protocols, advanced detection technologies, and enhanced safety for both passengers and airport personnel,” Senator Win Gatchalian said in a statement.

In previous months, two minor explosions were reported near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

A former taxi driver threw a molotov cocktail at Terminal 3 parking lot on September 23.

The suspect surrendered to airport authorities on September 28, and he has been charged.

In October, police initially reported that an improvised bomb blew up near Naia.

The burst came from a vape or an e-cigarette used in tobacco smoking.

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