Reevaluate actions after parking blaze, senators told NAIA execs

INQUIRER PHOTO/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — The management of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) was told to reevaluate its actions following the blaze that erupted at one of its parking spaces.

Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the chamber’s panel on public services, said there is a need to determine what should have been improved and how quickly the blaze should have been addressed.

“Did they have enough fire extinguishers that were accessible to first responders? Are airport personnel equipped with the proper knowledge and training to deal with emergencies. What they should do to avoid a similar incident from happening again?,” Poe said in a text message on Tuesday.

READ: Fire hits Naia Terminal 3 parking lot; at least 19 cars torched

The Bureau of Fire Protection in Pasay City said 19 cars were torched following the incident. Initial reports, on the other hand, said the blaze was allegedly ignited by a grass fire.

According to Poe, she will give NAIA the time to conduct its own probe on the incident, but she also vowed to ask for a copy of their report and determine from there whether a Senate investigation is warranted.

Let it be a warning

In an ambush interview also on Tuesday, Senator Imee Marcos echoed Poe’s remarks, saying the incident should serve as a warning for all.

“Critical infrastructure such as this should have stronger security and safety concerns because many lives become at risk if it gets involved. That’s why there’s a need to safeguard it,” said Marcos.

“While it may have been an accident, we have to make certain that we undertake all the measures such that it will never be repeated again,” she emphasized.