US inspectors OK Naia’s improved security measures, technology

MANILA, Philippines — Inspectors from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the United States Department of Homeland Security were satisfied with the improved security measures and technology now being implemented at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

TSA auditors, together with their local counterparts from the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), concluded their security audit of Naia’s terminals and US-bound airlines at the airport on Friday.

“Overall, there were no findings in this assessment. We appreciate the new technologies and equipment provided,” TSA lead inspector Jose Liriano said during the exit brief.

“We are grateful for the improvements made by the government specifically in collaboration with the OTS,” he added.

Among those noted by the TSA were Naia’s use of high-technology security and screening equipment, such as the dual view x-ray machines with an automatic tray return system.

Queue reduced

Airport authorities said these were deemed effective in reducing the queue at the various security screening checkpoints.

The TSA security audit covered airport and aircraft security, aviation security management, land side security, passenger and baggage screening, access control, perimeter security, and training of security personnel.

It also inspected quality control measures being implemented if they were aligned with both national and international standards set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization (Icao).

Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade, however, said that while the Naia scored high during the latest TSA assessment, the improvement of security measures at the country’s main gateway would not stop.

“Security is a commitment, it is a continuous process,” he said in a statement on Sunday.

“While we are happy with this news, we must remember that the more important thing is that we sustain and consistently improve our efforts to ensure the safety and security of the passengers.”

An improvement from 2018

The recent TSA audit was an improvement from its December 2018 exit brief, where it noted “observations regarding procedures, processes, equipment and personnel posting at Naia.”

This prompted the Manila International Airport Authority, which manages Naia, to beef up its security measures, including procuring x-rays, metal detectors and alarm systems, and TSA conducts regular security assessments on airports whose airlines have routes to United States, including the Philippines.

An observation report from the TSA is usually considered by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in rating airports worldwide based on their compliance with safety standards set by the Icao.

In 2008, the FAA downgraded Naia into a Category 2 airport because of flaws in infrastructure, security procedures and equipment and its inadequate number of personnel, based on an audit of the TSA.

The demotion had caused the European Union to put Philippine air carriers on its air safety blacklist, banning them from flying to EU member countries.

Naia regained its Category 1 status by the FAA in 2014 after a TSA audit in the previous year (November 2013) found it compliant with Icao standards.