Tugade to handling firms, security agencies: Clean ranks in 5 days

FILE: Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade (PCOO PHOTO)

MANILA — Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade summoned airport officials, airport ground handling companies, manpower service providers, and security managers on Friday, Jan. 19 following President Rodrigo Duterte’s stern warning about incidents of baggage theft.

During the meeting, Tugade gave security companies five days to clean their ranks.

“I’m giving you five days to clean your ranks. Send me the list of your employees and guards. Kapag meron dyan na may record o kaso, tanggal buong kumpanya,” Tugade warned companies operating in airports.

In an interview with blogger Carlos Munda, Tugade reiterated that companies contracted to provide security at transportation hubs such as airports must share the responsibility of the government in ensuring the safety of the public.

“Kapag may kasalanan ang tao nila, lalo higit sa droga at pagnanakaw, the company should also be held liable. I will put at stake their license to do business. I will suspend or terminate their contract,” he added.

Tugade also bared new guidelines for personnel in-charge of baggage handling.

From now on, personnel uniforms must not have pockets and boots or shoes must not be loose. Concerned personnel are likewise no longer allowed to bring or use cellphones nor wear jewelry while on duty.

“Para saan ba yung cellphone? Dapat radyo lang ang hawak nila,” Tugade explained. “Yung iba pa, papasok na walang alahas, pag labas meron na.”

Tugade also ordered baggage handlers to wear body cameras. Airport officials were asked to produce an initial 100 cameras, while security companies were also directed to buy their own.

“Huwag nila sasabihing mahal, alam ko magkano kinikita nila. Service provider sila, dapat lang na ibalik naman nila sa tao ang portion ng kita nila,” Tugade said.

Tugade, who was among those called for a meeting in Malacanang yesterday, said that just like the President, he cannot tolerate such practice among some unscrupulous airport employees.

“The President is pissed off and he said kapag may nahuli, magkakatanggalan sa trabaho. Nakakahiya pong pakinggan, pero yung hiya dapat sinusuklian ng pamamaraan para maisaayos ang problema,” Tugade said.

For his part, Manila International Airports Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal said that they will strictly implement the instructions of the President and Secretary Tugade in order to effectively put an end to illegal practices happening in the airports.

“We will make sure that the policy direction from the government, from the President, and from the Secretary will be strictly implemented, so we can clean the ranks at the airport,” Monreal said. “Let this be a warning to all players at the airport that one more mistake will put their jobs and businesses at stake.”