Security risks

Customs operatives apprehended a Filipino-American at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport yesterday for allegedly attempting to smuggle in gun parts. The Fil-American, identified as Clint Pardo, told authorities he was a gun enthusiast and declared a number of pistols (with proper documents) to be used for an upcoming shooting competition. NAIA airport scanners, however, detected sniper barrels and upper receiver parts for M16 rifles and other high-powered firearms – all undeclared and reportedly in “commercial quantities.”

We’re told the US authorities are now conducting an investigation regarding the incident, particularly how the allegedly smuggled gun parts were able to escape the notice of Homeland Security personnel deployed at the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. The Department of Homeland Security is supposed to be the frontline agency to guard America’s borders from gun and drug smugglers and human traffickers. Among its tasks include aviation and border security to protect American citizens from numerous threats.

However, a report recently released by the Homeland Security Inspector General stated that hundreds of DHS agents have been engaged in smuggling activities, (including child pornography) and taking bribes to look the other way – all of which definitely compromise the safety and security of Americans. Just last month, a former official of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) – an agency under the DHS – pleaded guilty of attempting to smuggle illegal drugs. Instead of maintaining air travel safety, the man “sold his badge.” 

What’s even more disturbing are revelations that even after the man resigned from the TSA, he continued with his drug smuggling activities and recruited an active TSA officer to help in the illegal activities. With an estimated 25,000 Homeland Security personnel, one can only imagine the potential for illegal trade not only involving guns and drugs, but materials for making bombs and other “weapons of mass destruction” like nuclear, chemical or biological weapons.

Homeland: For real

One of the most addictive TV series these days is the award-winning “Homeland” featuring the story of a female CIA agent and a former US marine sergeant who was a prisoner of war by the al-Qaeda. Hailed as a hero, the CIA believes the man may have been “turned” by his captors and suspect him to be working for terrorist extremists – placing American lives in danger. The series may be a work of fiction but there’s been talk that it is actually based on a true story, which is probably one of the reasons why the situations in each episode are very realistic, including the portrayal of the characters and the conflicts they go through.

The threat of terrorism is very real for Americans, with the attack on the US Embassy in Libya underscoring the need to intensify protection for American diplomats who are considered to be high value targets. Days after the Benghazi attack that resulted in the death of US Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens, Obama said they would do whatever is necessary to protect their citizens abroad, and that includes letting the government of host countries know that “they’ve got an obligation to cooperate with us, to protect our citizens. That’s part of their job,” he said.

The killing of inactive US Marine Major George Anikow in an early-morning altercation with four young men brings to mind the risks that Americans face abroad. Anikow, whose wife is an official at the US Embassy in Manila, was stabbed to death by four men who tried to enter a gated subdivision in Makati. Apparently, Anikow tried to assist the subdivision security guard and got the ire of the men instead.

Spy tidbits

––The other day, I was invited by the Rotary Club of Makati (District 3830), through past president Joe Alejandro, to share my thoughts on a number of issues currently faced by the country. At the open forum moderated by Chris Ferareza, I shared the sentiment of many businessmen who are upbeat about the current state of the economy, with the perception that things are looking up for the country and the hope that things will be even better after 2016. Relative to this, however, is the concern about who would be the next leader, and whether the next president will continue with the reforms and other initiatives of the current administration. On the issue of corruption, there is consensus that the Aquino government is making a lot of headway in terms of reforms – considering that it would be virtually impossible to eradicate overnight something that has been endemic in the system.

In any case, we congratulate the Makati Rotary and its current president Reuben Valerio for spearheading a lot of activities, including livelihood projects in support of the less fortunate. We were happy to see some of our fellow Rotarian friends like Tony Quila, Fred Borromeo and Philip Soliven, nephew of our late dear friend Max Soliven.

–– The arrival of the Ford Mustang was a much anticipated event among those who have long been fans of the iconic vehicle, with the latest versions featuring aggressive designs and advanced control features plus the outstanding balance and excellent driving behavior that Mustang owners have come to expect. The Mustang made waves in the early to late 70s, with the Cobra version among the most popular.

We are told that Bangko Sentral Governor Amando “Say” Tetangco bought himself a Mustang – and we must say this is a well-deserved birthday gift for a hardworking official like Say who has been receiving numerous international awards including “Central Bank Governor of the Year for Asia” by an international finance magazine. Say, who was born in the ’50s, must have dreamed of owning a Mustang during his younger days, and now that he can afford it, decided to gift himself with one.

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