CAAP: All commercial airports on heightened alert following bomb threat

CAAP logo/airplane at the airport on the background. INQUIRER.net FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Commercial airports across the country are placed on heightened alert after the Air Traffic Service (ATS) received a bomb threat via electronic mail (email) on Friday.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said the email claimed that aircraft from Manila, going to Puerto Princesa, Mactan-Cebu, Bicol, and Davao international airports would be set off by a bomb.

The CAAP immediately put all 42 commercial airports in the country on heightened alert and ordered the deployment of additional security personnel.

“All CAAP airports and area centers shall augment adequate security personnel to manage the expected high volume of passengers and vehicle traffic,” it said in a statement Friday.

“Continuous foot and mobile patrols are also being conducted within both the airside and landside areas of the airport complex,” it added.

READ: Bomb scare disrupts Bicol International Airport flights

Authorities also advised passengers to prepare for intensified security inspections at the airports.

“Stringent access control procedures for both personnel and vehicles will be implemented, accompanied by thorough inspections of passengers and cargo,” the CAAP said.

READ: Fine, jail time await prankster over ‘bomb’ note on plane

“We advise passengers who will be traveling internationally to arrive at the airport at least three (3) hours before their scheduled flight to avoid any inconvenience.”

“We also urge the public to cooperate fully with security personnel and to remain vigilant while at the airport. Safety and security remain our top priorities, and these measures are being taken to safeguard all those who use our airports,” it added.

READ: Bomb threat disrupts Manila-bound flight at Bacolod-Silay Airport

kga