NAIA on full alert, says MIAA

MANILA, Philippines - The Metro Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Saturday placed the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) under "full alert" following the night market blast in Davao City.

MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal however clarified that it would not cause alarm and inconvenience to the public.

"We have raised our alert status as a proactive measure to ensure safety and security of airport users," Monreal said.

"We have directed baggage screeners to remain vigilant and discerning and to conduct thorough inspection ONLY when the need calls for it. We do not want to cause inconvenience in the process by creating long lines at the baggage screening checkpoints," he added.

Monreal said the Airport Police Department has also canceled their day-off and leave of absence due to the full alert status. He said airport users should not be alarmed by the increased police visibility within the terminal buildings and outer vicinities of NAIA. 

Aside from police, K9 units would also be a common sight in the airport vicinity.

Security at checkpoints shall likewise conduct random rigid inspections on motor vehicles and the public is advised to oblige for their own protection. 

The airport chief said issuance of access to visitors and passengers was also restricted for everyone's safety. He said depending on intelligence reports, they may completely suspend issuance of visitors' passes.

"Together with the PNP-Aviation Security Group, we appeal to everyone to bear with us during this time," Monreal said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (Avsegroup) also placed its unit under full alert following the explosion in Davao.

They asked for the public's cooperation as they implement stricter security measures.

"The Avsegroup has declared SECCO 3 (full alert status) in view of the incident in Davao. Maximum Security measures in all airports are expected. So we appeal to the traveling public to cooperate with our security forces to insure their smooth and safe travels," Avsegroup said in a statement.