US envoy confident DOTr can improve Naia security measures

MANILA, Philippines —United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim on Thursday expressed confidence that government transport officials can improve the country’s aviation security status after an advisory from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) warned in an advisory that security measures at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) were substandard.

“We are collaborating closely with the Philippines Department of Transportation and related agencies, and have every confidence in their leadership and their commitment to improve aviation security,” Kim said in a statement.

“Philippine authorities have worked diligently to improve security measures and we fully expect that they will soon meet ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) security standards,” he added.

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

Homeland Security also directed that their advisory be displayed prominently at all US airports that provide regularly scheduled service to Manila and that it be published in the Federal Register.

The DHS oversees “aviation and border security” and is tasked with securing the US from any threat.

In response, the DOTr assured passengers that airport security equipment and improvements are underway.

READ: DOTr vows strict Naia security after US travel advisory

Kim also said that “the United States actively supports Philippine efforts to improve security,” citing the recently approved $5-million airport security improvements at Naia to include critical training and technology improvements.

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has provided Aviation Security Advisors to the Philippine government to assist with development and implementation of corrective measures at Naia, Kim noted.

“TSA conducted an analysis of Naia security operations and provided recommendations on technology use and maintenance, streamlining screening operations, and modernization of NAIA security infrastructure,” he added.  /muf