‘Terror expert’ fails to breach PSG security

Self-styled anti-terror "expert" Samson Macariola, who showed how to sneak a bomb past Philippine airport security, could not get past the tight security cordon around Malacañang.

Macariola and his companions underwent tight scrutiny by Presidential Security Group personnel on Wednesday night - the eve of the 34th anniversary of the declaration of martial law — as they entered the Palace through the Arlegui gate.

A police officer who was part of those who inspected the two vans carrying Macariola and his group, including children, initially said that the vehicle passes they used to get inside Malacañang were fake.

The policeman also said it was unusual for them to say that they would fetch a student at the nearby St. Jude Catholic School when it was already very late.

The incident caught the attention of passersby and residents because bomb-sniffing dogs were brought to the scene. There was also an unusual number of soldiers and policemen in the area.

Residents said they were told a checkpoint was being set up because of the commemoration of the declaration of martial law the next day.

The two vehicles of Macariola and his companions were carefully inspected and security officers were seen talking to them and asking them questions.

They were allowed to leave around 10 p.m. after the inspection.

Macariola was reported to have sneaked in bomb materials into an aircraft on a flight from Davao City to Manila last month. But he later denied the story headlined by another newspaper.

Officials said he would have to face tight security from then on for playing with the country’s security situation. — Aurea Calica