CAAP heightens security alert status in PPC Int’l Airport

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has placed the Puerto Princesa City International Airport (PPCIA) under heightened security alert following the act of terrorism in Jolo, Sulu in Mindanao. CAAP Palawan chief Percy Malonesio said Saturday that their “red alert” status is a standard response and a proactive measure to mitigate the possibility of any untoward incident in the PPCIA. He said the additional security layer was ordered by the Office of Transportation Security (OTS). “Nakikiusap kami sa publiko na sana maintindihan nila ang mga istriktong security measures na ipinapatupad namin hangga’t naka-red alert status kami. Mas magiging mabusisi ang checkpoint sa gate and may mga security personnel who will check your bags kung maglalakad ka papasok or minsan may lalapit para mag-check ng bags. Para sa kaligtasan naman ng lahat ito bunga ng nangyari na bombings sa Jolo,” he said. (We’re calling on the public to understand the strict security measures we are implementing while our status is on red alert. We’re more strict now in the checkpoint at the gate and we have security personnel who will check the bags of those just walking in or conduct random checks. This is for their own safety because of the bombing in Jolo.) He said the heightened security alert started on February 1 and will remain for an “unspecified period of time” at the PPCIA. Among others, he said they will also be stricter in the mandatory removal of shoes, random searches and bag checks. Malonesio said “understanding and cooperation” will help them a lot in achieving their goal to protect the passengers and the airport.