Manila ports soon to have radiation detection equipment

MANILA, Philippines—An equipment to detect nuclear and other radioactive materials are being installed at the Manila ports, the US Embassy in Manila said Friday.

The radiation detection equipment will be formally inaugurated at the Asian Terminal Incorporated’s South Harbor and the International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s Manila International Container Terminal on Tuesday, the embassy said in a media advisory.

The US contributed $26 million for setting up the Megaports Initiative facility in the Philippines. The US Department of Energy has so far deployed radiation detection equipment in 38 major seaports worldwide.

“The equipment is designed to further increase security measures at the Port of Manila, the country’s premier trade gateway,” the embassy said.

In collaboration with foreign governments, the Megaports Initiative is part of the United States’ Second Line of Defense Program.

The radiation detection systems “help deter, detect, and interdict illicit shipments of nuclear and other radioactive materials that might pass through international gateways such as seaports,” the US Embassy said.

Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. will attend the ceremony, together with Philippine Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo.