US expects prompt PHL action to improve security at NAIA

United States transportation security authorities expect their Filipino counterparts to improve security measures at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as soon as possible, US Ambassador to Manila Sung Kim said Thursday.

Kim issued the statement a day after the US Department of Homeland Security issued an advisory warning Americans that security measures at NAIA are inadequate and do not meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

Montreal, Canada-based ICAO is a United Nations specialized agency that develops policies and standards, undertakes compliance audits, performs studies and analyses, provides assistance and builds aviation capacity through many other activities and the cooperation of its member states and stakeholders.

“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. Philippine authorities have worked diligently to improve security measures and we fully expect that they will soon meet ICAO security standards,” Kim said in a statement.

The US State Department has approved a funding of $5 million or P263 million to improve NAIA’s security. It covers critical training and technology improvements.

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has provided the Philippines with Aviation Security Advisors to help develop and implement corrective measures at NAIA.

As of this posting, the TSA already conducted an analysis of NAIA security operations and provided recommendations on technology use and maintenance, streamlining screening operations, and modernization of security infrastructure. —Llanesca Panti/VDS, GMA News