US Homeland Security warns vs. NAIA's lack of ‘effective aviation security measures’

The United States Homeland Security has issued a warning to travelers going to the Philippines that its prime airport in Manila, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), lacks aviation security measures.

A report on GMA's "Balitanghali" showed an image posted on social media of the advisory of the American national security umbrella.

It said: Passengers are advised that the Secretary of Homeland Security has determined that Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, Republic of the Philippines, does not maintain and carry out effective aviation security measures.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), however, said it has yet to receive an official notice from the agency regarding its supposed advisory on the poor aviation security measures at NAIA.

"As far as my office is concerned, wala pa kaming natatanggap na official communication tungkol dyan sa public notice," MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal said in a Balitanghali interview.

"Although I can confirm na galing po rito yung mga assessors ng DFA, taun-taon naman po silang nandito at katulong namin sila sa mga kanilang nakita na mga dapat i-improve," he added.

Monreal said that MIAA's efforts on following the recommendations of the foreign assessors from different countries are ongoing.

He mentioned that airport equipment and culture of aviation security were among the areas for improvement, as previously assessed by partners in the industry.

Procurement of X-ray machines for enhanced security in the airport is in the pipeline, Monreal added. —Dona Magsino, Kaela Malig/ LDF, GMA News