PH airports on heightened alert after series of security threats

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) — The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has placed 42 commercial airports in the country on heightened alert after a series of security incidents in the past days, urging passengers to allot more time for inspection.

CAAP issued a memorandum to airport managers on Wednesday and released it to the media on Friday. It said stringent access control procedures for both personnel and vehicles will be implemented, accompanied by thorough inspections of passengers and cargo.

It also reminded passengers who will be traveling internationally to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled flight to avoid any inconvenience.

CAAP said the Air Traffic Service received a warning via email that some flights will be set off by a bomb, but it did not give further details.

Meanwhile, the Manila International Airport Authority said in a statement that foot and mobile patrols are in place and K9 units are doing the rounds in all the terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

MIAA added that it is coordinating with the Philippine National Police to validate any threats.

On Oct. 2, flights and operations at the Bicol International Airport were disrupted due to a bomb scare. Last Sept. 23, a molotov cocktail exploded at the open parking area of NAIA Terminal 3.