OTS: Mandatory shoe removal at airports a slight inconvenience

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of Transportation Security (OTS) began implementing yesterday the mandatory removal of footwear at the final security checkpoint in all airports in the country.

“We recognize that the strict implementation of the shoe removal policy in all airports in the country may cause slight inconvenience to passengers. However, we are kindly requesting for their patience and cooperation so that we can achieve what we ought to do in securing the global transportation system with our international counterparts,” said OTS administrator Ma.O Aplasca.

He explained that the mandatory footwear removal policy “is an old policy which we are trying to strictly implement, to prevent circumvention of our security processes.”

“This policy remains to be effective in detecting prohibited items including explosives and other dangerous materials that may be concealed inside the footwear,” Aplasca added.

This measure aims to enhance the overall security of all passengers and staff, which is aligned with global security standards and best practices. By requiring passengers to remove footwear at the final screening checkpoint, it provides an advanced layer of scrutiny while identifying potential security threats.

“This shall be the norm regardless of the security condition level, and even when the threat is low. We have to be proactive. We don’t really need to wait for the threat to be there before we implement it,” Aplasca said partly in Filipino.

He gave assurance, though, that the OTS security screening officers “are directed to provide clear instructions and support throughout the footwear removal process, ensuring minimal disruption to the overall travel experience.”

To speed up the checks at the final security checkpoints, the OTS is advising passengers to wear shoes that are easily removable and avoid those with complex lacing or buckling. It also advised them to observe rules and regulations on the transportation of liquids, electronics and other items.

Aplasca noted that the OTS, along with other government agencies, is working with the International Civil Aviation Organization to enhance the implementation of standards and recommended practices as embodied in Annex 17 to the Chicago Convention.