All hands on deck, airport boss orders

Brace yourself for the expected build-up of passengers and vehicular traffic because of the holidays, Manila International Airport (MIAA) general manager Ed Monreal on Thursday told managers of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s four terminals.

“I want full manning of posts inside the terminals (to) make sure passenger needs are attended to properly and expeditiously,” Monreal said in his last management committee meeting for the year.

He also called for all-time police visibility especially in critical areas of the complex, with round-the-clock foot patrol and security personnel monitoring public areas and the parking lot.

The airport official asked the managers to look out for illegal porters and enterprising individuals posing as airport workers and offering help to arriving passengers.

Monreal said the airport’s screening personnel should intensify their collaboration with the intelligence community to thwart any attempt to disturb airport operations.

Engineering team

“Let us not put our guard down just because Christmas is the season to be jolly. Remember, this is also the time when bad elements take advantage,” the airport official said, adding that managers should make sure that all initial and final security checkpoints inside the terminal are manned especially during peak hours.

In an MIAA statement addressed to terminal managers, assistant general managers and other airport officials, Monreal said he wanted all baggage carousels to be working, with an engineering team and technicians on standby should any problem arise.