NAIA security tightened to prevent baggage pilferage

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has tightened the security at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) ramp area to prevent baggage pilferage and other similar incidents.

Alfonso Cusi, MIAA general manager, said the move was in line with their ongoing effort to update existing control measures with the latest edition of its Airport Security Program where "new and better standards are stipulated."

"We want to prove to our valued travelers that their baggage remain safe with us here at the NAIA," Cusi said in a MIAA press statement.

The enhanced security at the NAIA ramp areas involved prohibiting employees of service and security providers to bring bags or any form of carry-on items containing personal belongings at the baggage build-up and make-up areas. A depository area will be provided by MIAA at the ramp inner gates for this purpose, MIAA said.

Airline staff whose workstations are located at the ramp will be exempt from this prohibition but their belongings will be vigorously searched before they are are allowed to enter the area.

It was learned that MIAA security teams and the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group will also increase their patrol, search and inspections especially at the baggage build-up and make-up area at the ramp.

Airport sources said several complaints were raised by passengers whose checked-in baggage were pilfered while in transit insid the NAIA, prompting MIAA to tighten security at the ramp areas.

A source said that one of the complainants was a congressman who filed a complaint with MIAA.