PRRD to appoint airport security head as US lifts NAIA notice

FILE: H.E. JOSE MANUEL G. ROMUALDEZ
Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines
to the United States of America (Photo: Embassy of the Philippines, Washington D.C./Website)

MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte is planning to appoint an official that would handle and supervise the country’s airport security, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez bared Thursday.

“The President plans to appoint an overall person in charge of our airport security under the Office of the President,” he told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a text message.

The envoy said this is to sustain the improvements made by the Philippine government on Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s (NAIA) security measures, recently deemed deficient by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

In December 2018, the US agency issued an advisory that NAIA does not carry out effective aviation security measures.

On Thursday night, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan ordered the withdrawal of the public notice “effective immediately”.

Romualdez said the US side appreciates Manila’s efforts in implementing “much improved” security measures at NAIA and is “extremely pleased with our cooperation”.

“The DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) informed us that our airport security is much improved and are hopeful that we will remain vigilant and consistent,” Romualdez said.