Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez announced that security screening officers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other airports across the country will be required to wear body cameras and will not be allowed to carry cell phones while on duty.
Romualdez also revealed that the security screening officers will be prohibited from wearing jackets or uniforms with pockets and from bringing bags, in an effort to prevent incidents of theft at NAIA.
This comes after the Department of Transportation (DOTr)-supervised Office for Transportation Security (OTS) has faced criticism following a number of theft incidents involving OTS personnel, which were captured on closed-circuit television footage.
The proposed use of body cameras by OTS leadership aims to monitor the activities of airport security and immigration officers in real-time.
There are currently around 1,200 OTS personnel working in shifts at various airports nationwide, and at least 500 body cameras will be required to equip on-duty officers according to Speaker Romualdez.
The OTS and DOTr also agreed to assign personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to accompany airport screening personnel while on duty.
In addition, the DOTr proposed the installation of additional e-gates at airports to minimize interactions between security personnel and travelers, which was also agreed upon during the meeting.
These actions serve as a positive step towards improving security and preventing incidents at our airports which have put the country in a bad light, especially among tourists.
It is also encouraging to see that the authorities are taking proactive measures to address concerns and improve the safety and security of passengers and personnel at airports.
Source: Inside Politico | #InsidePolitico | March 9, 2023