PH airports under heightened security alert after bomb threat

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6, 2023): PH airports under heightened security alert after bomb threat (By Jose Cielito Reganit)

MANILA – The country’s 42 commercial airports have been placed under “heightened security alert” after officials received bomb threat via email, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said Friday.

“All 42 commercial airports of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) are on heightened alert as of today, October 6, following a warning received by the Air Traffic Service via email that aircraft from Manila, bound to Puerto Princesa, Mactan-Cebu, Bicol, and Davao International Airports are about to be set off by a bomb,” CAAP said in a statement.

“While the information is currently under validation, immediate enhanced security measures are being implemented across all airports,” it added.

CAAP is advising passengers who will be traveling internationally to arrive at the airport at least three (3) hours before their scheduled flight to avoid any inconvenience.

The public is also urged to cooperate fully with security personnel and to remain vigilant while at the airport.

“Safety and security remain our top priorities, and these measures are being taken to safeguard all those who use our airports,” CAAP said.

A memorandum issued by Ricardo C. Banayat, Assistant Director General II of the CAAP Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS), dated Oct. 4, all CAAP airports and area centers shall augment adequate security personnel to manage the expected high volume of passengers and vehicle traffic.

"This is to ensure the safety and security of passengers, airport workers, and vital airport installations and facilities," the memo said, adding stringent access control procedures for both personnel and vehicles will be implemented, accompanied by thorough inspections of passengers and cargo.

All CAAP-CSIS personnel are directed to closely coordinate with the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group and military authorities, and intensify intelligence and monitoring operations with other security units.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1211311