In response to recent incidents involving airport security personnel, Philippine Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has announced a series of measures aimed at curbing corrupt practices and enhancing the integrity of airport operations.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) have committed to implementing stricter protocols to protect travelers from unethical behavior by airport staff. This initiative follows a meeting between Secretary Bautista, OTS Administrator Undersecretary Ma. O Ranada Aplasca, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, where concerns over recent incidents were discussed.
One notable case involved an OTS personnel allegedly stealing from a Thai tourist, highlighting the need for immediate action. In response, several measures have been proposed:
- Deployment of Philippine Coast Guard Personnel: Select members of the Philippine Coast Guard will be assigned to accompany airport screening staff, providing an additional layer of oversight.
- Implementation of Body Cameras: To monitor real-time activities of on-duty security personnel, the use of body cameras is being considered. With approximately 1,200 OTS workers operating in various shifts, around 500 body cameras would be required to equip on-duty staff.
- Uniform Modifications: The OTS plans to reintroduce protocols that prohibit personnel from carrying cellphones, bags, or jackets while on duty and mandate uniforms without pockets to prevent concealment of unauthorized items.
- Installation of Additional E-Gates: To minimize direct interactions between security personnel and travelers, the DOTr and OTS are advocating for more electronic gates in airports.
Speaker Romualdez emphasized the importance of these measures, stating that attracting tourists is a government priority, especially as the country recovers from the impacts of the pandemic. He expressed hope that these initiatives would mitigate any negative perceptions resulting from recent incidents and ensure that travelers receive honest and efficient service.
The DOTr and OTS officials have committed to submitting detailed plans for these corrective measures and to closely monitor their implementation to restore confidence in the country’s airport security systems.
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