ACTS of improper behavior within airport terminals, specially those that may compromise safety and security, will not be tolerated.
This reminder was issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to passengers, after a video of a man using the public address (PA) system of an airline in Pagadian Airport circulated online. The man in the now-deleted video, who was caught blurting expletives using the PA system, has since apologized to the airline concerned.
“CAAP would like to maintain the nature of airport terminals as safe and respectful spaces for all its passengers,” said spokesman Eric Apolonio.
Meanwhile, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Cesar Chiong, along with CAAP and the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) headed by Chief Ma.O Aplasca, have been directed by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista to work in coordination with the PNP-Aviation Security Group for the commencement of the “OPLAN BIYAHENG AYOS: UNDAS 2022,” which will be implemented from October 27 to November 5, 2022 in anticipation of the influx of passengers in commercial airports in various cities and provinces across the country.
Under the program, added security measures will be in place to ensure safe, reliable and convenient operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the other 40 commercial airports in the country in the next ten days. MIAA general manager Chiong had said that with the lifting of travel restrictions and successful vaccination program of the government, passengers have already reached 77% of pre-pandemic levels or around three million passengers for the month of August.
The domestic traffic has so far peaked to around 100% or 1.94 million passengers compared to the same period in 2019.
All airport managers who handle commercial airports nationwide were also advised that maximum deployment of service and security personnel will be observed and that a “no leave and day-off” policy will be implemented during the entire duration of the said ‘Oplan’.
With the activation of the Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2022, help desks have been set up at the Passenger Terminal Buildings. These will be manned by three to four personnel including security and medical personnel to provide assistance to passengers, well-wishers and the general public as well, while AVSEGROUP will secure the perimeter security and surveillance.
