Saudis raise terrorism bogey to have x-rays in PHL airport

From the Business Mirror (Feb 15): Saudis raise terrorism bogey to have x-rays in PHL airport

THE Saudi Arabian government had requested the Manila International Airport Autority (Miaa) to allow them to put up their own x-ray machines at the departure area and at the boarding gate of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 1 because of a “confidential information” there is a plan to bomb Saudi Airlines plane by unidentified terrorists.

The request by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was addressed to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and was later forwarded to the Miaa for approval. The formal request alleged the terrorists are now in some parts of Asia.

The request stated the x-rays would be used only during Saudi flights “to protect our passengers and aircraft.”

Saudi Airlines mounts once-a-day flights out of Manila for Jeddah, according to the Miaa’s flight information section.

DFA Spokesman Charles Jose said Saudi Arabia’s request “will have to be decided by our airport authorities in accordance with our relevant laws and regulations.”

“Terrorism is a global scourge and we continue to work with the responsible community of nations in addressing this scourge,” Jose added.

On the other hand, Miaa Spokesman David de Castro said measures to beef up security are always welcome.

“It is a priority of Miaa to ensure security at the airport and in the aircraft through collaborative partnerships with the airlines.”

According to de Castro, the International Civil Aviation Organization  requires at least one security check for passengers before boarding. At the Naia, passengers are required to go through two security screenings,” he added.

The head of the National Police-Aviation Security Group, Chief Supt. Francisco Balagtas, said he has informed the Office for Transportation Security  and the Airline Operators Council  about the information from the KSA. “Appropriate security arrangements are now undertaken.”

Balagtas did not go into the details of the “security arrangements.”

“The Saudi government’s idea to put up x-ray machines on their own is to prevent any move of suspected terrorists to bomb their plane anywhere in Southeast Asia “due to the ongoing conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran,” airport sources said.

The KSA has cut diplomatic relations with Iran after an attack on its embassy in Tehran following the Kingdom’s execution of a Shia religious leader.

Hours after the death sentence was carried out, protesters in Shiite-majority Iran attacked the Saudi Embassy in Tehran.

In the aftermath, Saudi Arabia immediately suspended all flights to and from Iran.

Miaa Assistant General Manager for Security and Emergency Services Jesus Gordon Descanzo said he will discuss the request with the airline concerned.”

“We will alert our security officials for immediate implementation of the request,” Descanzo said.
“All our security personnel at the Naia are on 24/7 alert. We don’t want anything to happen, and we are trying our best to prevent any threat to destabilize airport operations.”

Meanwhile, the AOC, with more than 30 members operating out of the Naia  terminals, has  requested their passengers to allow four to five hours of travel time going to the Naia terminals due to ongoing connection works for the Naia Expressway Project-Phase II at the Villamor Air Base Section along Sales Road in Pasay City.

The project started on February 13. The contractor will commence “test pitting activities” from Piers 1 to 18 to connect the Naia Expressway Phase II project with the existing Phase I.

Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson asked the public to plan their trips, particularly those going to the airport terminals. He also advised motorists to map out alternative routes.

On the other hand, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority  has approved a traffic-management plan, which designates the use of 10th Street and 14th Street on Pasay City as alternate routes for motorists going to Sales Interchange from Andrews Avenue.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it will work together with private firms and Villamor Air Base personnel to manage traffic, especially at the rotunda of Domestic Road corner Andrews Avenue.

The Naia Expressway Project is a four-lane, 7.15-kilometer elevated expressway meant to provide easy access to and from the three Naia terminals. It will also connect the Skyway and the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway.

The P15.86-billion project will also interlink the South Luzon Expresway-Skyway to the Cavitex Macapagal Boulevard, and the Entertainment City of state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

The DPWH said that based on the timeline given by DMCI, the traffic gridlocks will last until July 15 and affect motorists going to and from Naia terminals.

The AOC had requested the Miaa to draw up contingency plan to address the issue by more information awareness using television networks, print media and other social-media networks.

If necessary, the council also requested the Miaa to provide shuttle buses to ferry departing passengers that will wait at the staging areas provided by the premier airport.

During the duration of the project’s connection activities, the AOC asked the Miaa to discourage or limit hordes of relatives from accompanying their loved ones to the airport.

February is at the tail end of the peak holiday season in the Philippines and those who arrived last November and December are scheduled to depart this month and the following month.

“We appeal to our clients to give the necessary time adjustment so you will not miss your flights due to traffic,” the AOC said in a statement.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/saudis-raise-terrorism-bogey-to-have-x-rays-in-phl-airport/