OTS to launch non-lethal defense tool at airports

MANILA, Philippines — After a police officer shoot a passenger at Iloilo International Airport in January, the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) will launch this week a non-lethal self defense tool at all airports in the country.

An acrylic protective barrier to prevent passengers from retrieving baggage that are still going through security screening at x-ray counters will also be installed, said OTS spokesperson Kim Marquez.

OTS Administrator Gilbert Cruz said the enhancements are intended to reinforce strict adherence to standard operating procedures, eliminate identified security vulnerabilities, and ensure the integrity of the screening process. 

On Friday, Cruz conducted an inspection at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, as part of the OTS review of the standard screening procedures for airports.

Cruz said the planned enhancements are in response to the Iloilo incident, wherein a departing passenger was shot by police at the final security checkpoint on Jan. 28.

Security officers detected a knife inside the passenger’s bag and asked him to surrender the weapon.

However, the man allegedly snatched the bag from the x-ray machine and took the knife from his bag, creating panic among other passengers.

A responding police officer shot the man to prevent him from hurting people.