MIAA, BOC sign accord on airport security

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) signed yesterday a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with regards to the security of the International Cargo Terminal (ICT) complex and its immediate vicinities.

The MOA, signed by MIAA general manager Edgardo Manda and Customs Commissioner Antonio Bernardo, said that the ICT, particularly the Joint Oil Companies Association of the Philippines (JOCASP) fuel farm depot, was identified as one of the most vulnerable areas within airport complex to terrorist attacks.

The MOA also said that since there has been a remarkable increase in terrorist activities worldwide as exemplified by the Sept. 11 attack on the US, confidential information recently received from the government’s intelligence network has pinpointed the ICT complex and the fuel farm depot as among the five areas within Metro Manila eyed as targets by local terrorists.

The Philippine government has been also informed that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will be conducting a security survey of all international airport complexes commencing this year to 2006 to determine if the airport authorities of member states meet the stricter standards set.

"As a result of recent developments which has put the security of the entire airport complex of primordial concern, there is an urgent need to reestablish and redefine the respective areas of responsibility and jurisdiction of MIAA and the BOC at the ICT complex," the MOA said.

Because of these concerns, the MIAA thru its Airport Police Department (APD), shall have the sole and exclusive responsibility of maintaining peace and order in the entire ICT including the parking areas and all entry and exit points within the perimeter that bound the areas.

The physical maintenance of the ICT building and its facilities as well as the implementation of airport safety rules and regulations shall be the responsibility of the MIAA. The MIAA and the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (PNP-ASG) shall continue to be responsible for ensuring that all aviation safety and security rules, especially on the prevention of hijack and other forms of aviation or aircraft sabotage, are strictly implemented.

Meanwhile, all have the primary jurisdiction on all customs matters including, but not limited to, anti-smuggling operations. The BOC thru its Enforcement and Security Services (ESS) and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) shall field all its personnel, plainclothed and uniformed within the ICT complex to conduct anti-smuggling operations.

The MIAA and the PNP-ASG through the Airport Security Center shall assign security personnel at the ICT complex to ensure that all aviation safety and security rules, including the required precautionary measures are strictly enforced.

The MIAA shall continue to manage and have jurisdiction over the business concession areas inside the ICT complex including the parking area. Moreover, it shall prepare an overall vehicle parking plan allotting parking slots to local concessionaire and other legitimate users.

The ICT being part of the NAIA complex, the MIAA shall maintain its presence thereat in such capacity as to ensure the regular and normal upkeep of its facilities at the ICT. – With Rey Arquiza