Bomb-sniffers, heavily-armed police secure NAIA after Brussels blasts

All photos by REUTERS

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Tuesday afternoon ordered further tightening of security at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) following deadly explosions at the Brussels airport in Belgium.

MIAA spokesperson David de Castro told GMA News Online that airport security units "have been ordered to be extra vigilant in their duty" in light of the Brussels explosions, which reportedly were carried out by a suicide bomber.

"Checkpoint monitoring will be strictly implemented starting outside the terminals. The APD (Airport Police Department) will be working closely with the PNP Avsegroup (Aviation Security Group) for surveillance operations," De Castro said.

Images taken by Reuters show a civilian security guards checking the undercarriage of cars entering the NAIA complex and a bomb-sniffing dog, escorted by a handler and a policeman armed with a submachinegun, randomly checking bags as well as passengers at the airport departure bay.

Policemen in tactical uniforms and armed with submachineguns also patrol the airport's terminal.

He moreover called on passengers to cooperate with airport security.

"Security measures we have in place currently are sufficient considering that Oplan Semana Santa 2016 is implemented until March 28. At the moment... We (have) heightened monitoring," De Castro added.

Passengers were also reminded to be aware of prohibited items or those that cannot be taken aboard an aircraft.