PNP sets airport security audit after cop shoots passenger over stab try

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered an audit of airport security across the country after police shot a passenger who allegedly resisted inspection and tried to stab an officer at the Iloilo International Airport.

“The PNP is already working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and airport security units to immediately assess existing procedures,” Nartatez said in a statement on Friday.

“The evaluation will focus on screening procedures, access point controls and emergency response protocols,” he added.

The alleged incident involving the passenger, a 54-year-old security guard from Camiguin bound for Davao, took place on Wednesday afternoon at the Iloilo airport’s pre-departure area.

READ: Iloilo airport passenger shot after refusing to give up knife

Police shot the passenger in the shoulder. The latter was taken to the Western Visayas Sanitarium Hospital for treatment.

Nartatez stood by the police officers’ response, saying: “We want to assure the public that our airports are safe. The police officer acted to neutralize an immediate threat and protect lives.”

“We do not hesitate to act if there’s a clear danger to the public, but we always follow the proper process and the rules of the use of force,” he added.

According to the PNP chief, the initial security screening at the pre-departure area at Iloilo Airport was removed late last year to speed up traveler flow. /das