Cop vs cop at NAIA-2

A shootout almost took place between armed members of the Aviation Security Group (ASG) of the Philippine National Police and a member of the Airport Police Department (APD) after the latter stood his ground and refused to let the group pass without observing procedure at the runway of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Centennial Terminal (NAIA-2) yesterday.

The Intelligence and Investigation Division of the Manila International Airport Authority said Cpl. Jaime Hernandez of the APD has lodged a complaint against Police Senior Inspector Albert Barot, detailed with the PNP-ASG Special Operations Unit (SOU) for "threats and actions unbecoming an officer."

The report said that while Hernandez was on duty at the South Gate of NAIA-2, when a Toyota Hi-Ace escorted by an SOU vehicle, with plate number SET-707 arrived.

On board the SOU mobile was Barot, together with other SOU personnel.

Hernandez, however, found out that the Hi-Ace as carrying four civilian passengers, whose access passes were limited the departure lobby of NAIA-2.

Hernandez advised Barot to secure or upgrade their access passes at the Pass Control Office and coordinate with the Office of the Assistant General Manager for Security and Emergency Services for the van’s clearance.

This apparently angered Barot, who together with eight companions, encircled Hernandez and allegedly cocked their high-caliber firearms.

Barot while was holding his gun allegedly said: "Umpisahan na natin para makilala mo ko."

His companions the shouted: "Sige, umpisahan na natin, Hernandez."

The airport cop said he did not lose his composure and even courteously told Barot that he would still have to coordinate with his base and report the incident. Hernandez urged the group to follow the special operations procedure.

Barot shouted at Hernandez: "Sige magreklamo ka."

And that is exactly what the airport cop did.