Security service at NAIA

Dear Mr. Bondoc:

We call your attention to your article that appeared in the Philippine STAR, 12 November 2008 issue, page 17, entitled ‘Gotcha: Who’s grabbing NAIA security business?”

How a news article containing very erroneous information would find way in your news reporting to the public came as a disappointment to us.

As a backgrounder, please be informed that numerous reports have reached the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) regarding the various violations of airport rules and regulations committed by personnel of the Security and Safety Corporation of the Philippines (SSCP) engaging in nefarious activities, among others, facilitation of undocumented OFWs, extortion and baggage fixing, to the detriment of airlines’ revenues and safety of their aircraft. We can sustain these claims if it warrants.

Consolidated derogatory report from the intelligence and Investigation Department (IID) of the Authority shows that the management of SSCP failed to curb such malpractices and thus, failed to comply with the Terms and Conditions of the Certificate of Accreditation granted by MIAA. A recommendation to terminate the services of SSCP ensued. By authority of the MIAA General Manager, the Head Executive Assistant, Atty. Melvin A. Matibag, was tasked to look into the matter.

A meeting was called on 05 November 2005 with different airline representatives for which the SSCP has security service contracts with. It was agreed upon to give SSCP 90 days from receipt of the Notice of Revocation of its accreditation which is due to expire on 31 December 2008, rather than drastically terminating its contract, to allow them appropriate time to wind up their services at the airport.

Further, the airline representatives will be provided a list of prospective accredited security service providers for them to choose and even suggested that they recommend other security firms which they deem fit their needs provided they undergo the usual accreditation process.

As the Airport Authority, it is our mandate to establish rules and regulations at the NAIA to ensure safety and security of the passengers and of the airport facilities at all times. It is also our expectation that all those who are covered by these rules and regulations would strictly abide by them. MIAA will not hesitate to take rigid disciplinary actions against those who refuse and continue to refuse from following established airport policies, rules and regulations.

On the caption on “strong connections”having a hand on this anticipated cancellation of SSCP’s accreditation, whether real or imaginary, be informed further that approval of accreditation of NAIA’s security service provider is not the sole responsibility of MIAA but also of the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (PNP-ASG).

The provision of security service to the public is not a business concern, but a commitment to the highest standards of public service. We, at MIAA continue to uphold its ideals by constantly improving its services as prescribed in the Authority’s Airport Service Excellence Program in pursuit of AO No. 151.

We anticipate your immediate correction of said news article and urge you to publish this letter in order that the public would be accurately informed. Incidentally, the undersigned would be very much willing to sit down and talk with you on other observations which may seem beneficial to the Authority. You can reach him at these numbers: (02) 8771723 and 0917-8252492. — Atty. MELVIN A. MATIBAG, Head Executive Assistant, Manila International Airport Authority