Radiation detectors at Manila ports inaugurated

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines and the United States formally inaugurated yesterday a radiation detection equipment at Asian Terminal Incorporated’s (ATI) South Harbor and the International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) Manila International Container Terminal.

The inauguration was held at the ICTSI Harbor Lounge and attended by representatives from the Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Department of Foreign Affairs, Bureau of Customs, Philippe Ports Authority, ATI, ICTSI, US embassy, and US-Department of Energy (DOE).

The US government has contributed $26 million for setting up the facility, which is expected to help deter, detect, and interdict illicit shipments of nuclear and other radioactive materials that might pass through international gateways such as seaports.

The radiation detection systems are part of the US-DOE’s Megaports Initiative, which has so far installed the equipment in 38 major seaports worldwide. US-DOE said it will also install a radiation detection equipment at the Port of Cebu. 

“Our cooperation with our Philippine partners underscores our shared commitment to increase security for cargo shipments and prevent illegal trafficking of nuclear materials,” US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. said.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Philippines to enhance global peace and security as we work to implement the nuclear security agenda outlined by President Obama and our international partners,” he added.

”Megaports helps the Philippines meet a variety of goals. During the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, the radiation portal monitors installed at the Port of Manila were used in screening food shipments to ensure consumer safety,” said Philippine Nuclear Research Institute director Dr. Alumanda dela Rosa.

The Megaports Initiative is also part of the US-DOE’s Second Line of Defense (SLD) program, which works with foreign governments at land border crossings, airports, and seaports to install radiation detection equipment and associated communications equipment.