The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) on Saturday was placed on full alert status following the deadly explosion that rocked a night market in Davao City on Friday night.
“This is not to alarm the public. We have raised our alert status as a proactive measure to ensure safety and security of airport users,” Ed Monreal, Naia general manager, said in a statement.
Monreal said he has ordered “baggage screeners to remain vigilant and discerning and to conduct thorough inspection ONLY when the need calls for it.”
“We do not want to cause inconvenience in the process by creating long lines at the baggage screening checkpoints,” he said.
READ: AFP on high alert after deadly Davao blast
As a procedure during a full alert status, the airport chief said “we have full complement in our Airport Police Department (of) Cancelled day-off, no leave of absence.”
He said the public should not be alarmed by the increased police presence within the airport terminals and its nearby areas.
“Our K9 units will also be a common sight in the complex under this situation,” he said.
Monreal urged the public to cooperate as security personnel at checkpoints would conduct random and rigid inspection.
READ: Davao explosion: What we know so far
Issuance of access for the purpose of meeting or sending off passengers has also been limited, he said.
“Depending on intelligence reports, we may completely suspend issuance of visitors’ passes for everyone’s safety, “he added.
He asked the public’s understanding for their increased security measures.
Aviation Security Group director Senior Supt. Mao Aplasca has also placed his unit on full alert, directing them to conduct maximum security measures in all airports nationwide.
“Together with the PNP-Aviation Security Group, we appeal to everyone to bear with us during this time,” Monreal said. Jeannette I. Andrade, Philippine Daily Inquirer/CDG