MANILA — Commercial airports across the country were placed on heightened alert on Friday after the Air Traffic Service (ATS) received a bomb threat via electronic mail (email).
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said the email claimed that aircraft from Manila, going to Puerto Princesa, Mactan-Cebu, Bicol, and Davao international airports would be set off by a bomb.
The CAAP immediately put all 42 commercial airports in the country on heightened alert and ordered the deployment of additional security personnel.
“All CAAP airports and area centers shall augment adequate security personnel to manage the expected high volume of passengers and vehicle traffic,” it said in a statement.
“Continuous foot and mobile patrols are also being conducted within both the airside and landside areas of the airport complex,” it added.
Authorities also advised passengers to prepare for intensified security inspections at the airports.
“Stringent access control procedures for both personnel and vehicles will be implemented, accompanied by thorough inspections of passengers and cargo,” the CAAP said.
It added: “We advise passengers who will be traveling internationally to arrive at the airport at least three (3) hours before their scheduled flight to avoid any inconvenience.”
“We also urge the public 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,” it added. (John Eric Mendoza © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
