Airport security stepped up amid possible Arroyo flight

MANILA, Philippines—Airport and police authorities have tightened security at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) amid former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s possible departure for Singapore Friday.

Some policemen were seen armed with shields at the NAIA Terminal 1 after following a Supreme Court ruling Friday, denying the Department of Justice’s motion for reconsideration to stop Arroyo from seeking medical treatment abroad.

Southern Police District spokesperson Chief Inspector Jenny Tecson said that officers from the Aviation Security Group have been deployed to secure the airport.

She said additional police forces from their District Public Safety Battalion were being readied and other police officers have been on standby for possible deployment.

Arroyo has made reservations for Friday but without any specific flight, said Hazel Tan of the NAIA Public Relations Office.

Terminal manager Dante Basanta said the additional security at the airport is for crowd control to prevent a repeat of what happened last Tuesday when the Arroyo and husband Jose Miguel attempted to leave for Singapore. With a report from Tina G. Santos, Philippine Daily Inquirer