NAIA terminals to have new body scanners

MANILA, Philippines - Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Jose Angel Honrado said four body scanning machines will be placed in all airport terminals in the country to beef up security amid threats by terror groups.

He said the scanners that cost roughly P8 million to P15 million each are sensitive enough to detect even plastic explosives and traces of illegal drugs that get past the present screening monitoring system.

Honrado arrived from Brisbane, Australia on Sunday after attending the 34th Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) transportation conference along with Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) director-general Ramon Gutierrez and officials of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Maritime Industry Authority and Philippine Ports Authority.

“Our security is in place and we are trying to increase alertness and information gathering to thwart terrorism,” he said.

Honrado said his delegation had first-hand demonstration of the advanced Australian Traffic Control System on aviation safety.

He also ordered airport police to be on guard 24-hours a day for the protection of people around the airport, specially incoming and outbound travelers.