Despite US airport advisory, Lorenzana insists Naia invulnerable to terrorist attack

MANILA, Philippines —Despite a recent warning from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on the “substandard security” at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia),  Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the country’s main gateway is not vulnerable to terrorist attacks.

Lorenzana on Friday noted that although terrorist activities were possible, Naia’s security forces are always on alert for any threats to security.

“Hindi naman tayo vulnerable to terrorist attacks… Hindi naman ‘yun tinutukoy (We are not vulnerable to terrorist attacks. That’s not what it means). I think it’s the way the management of the airport, the way the passengers are being screened, ‘yung equipment inadequate, things na nakita nila,” Lorenzana said in a Palace briefing.

“‘Yung vulnerability nung airport, congested na yang area na yan (The vulnerability of the airport…the area is congested), it is actually a difficult thing to do but it can be done. Sistema lang yan e (It just needs a system), properly managing the security forces, properly managing the flow of the people,” he added.

In the DHS travel advisory, all airlines issuing tickets for travel between the US and Manila were instructed to advise passengers in writing about the inadequate security measures at Naia.

The Department of Transportation  said additional security measures at Naia are underway and procurement of security equipment is also under process.

READ: DOTr vows strict Naia security after US travel advisory

Malacañang also gave assurances that the government is looking into recommendations to beef up Naia security. /ee

READ: Palace: Gov’t prioritizing Naia security