‘Terror expert’ faces tight airport scrutiny

DAVAO CITY — The self-styled anti-terrorist expert who claimed to have smuggled a bomb onto a plane would have to suffer the consequences of his "indiscretion" and be subjected to a strip-search before he can fly again, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said yesterday.

Duterte said Samson Macariola would have to be stripped naked by airport security personnel before he boards any aircraft.

"That is what you call the pitfalls of indiscretion. He would be searched and frisked thoroughly to the barest by airport security for causing the whole controversy," he said.

Macariola, whom Duterte had hired as consultant on firearms and ammunition management, put to shame the security personnel of the Ninoy Aquino and Davao City international airports when he claimed that he was able to smuggle a live bomb on board a commercial flight from Manila to Davao City and vice versa last Aug. 14. He later denied using live bomb components.

"I am sure that with what Macariola made the aviation security personnel go through, he would not be spared from thorough frisking and search. He would even be stripped naked to make sure that he is not carrying any bomb, even simulated ones," Duterte said.

"That is what he gets for his indiscretion," he added. Duterte said he doubts if people would still hire Macariola’s services after the fiasco.

"Nobody would want to hire somebody who lacks discretion like him. It would be suicide," he said.

In an earlier interview though, Duterte told The STAR that he would still continue to hire Macariola should he be able to prove that he was telling the truth.

"In fairness to the guy, he has been doing well in his lectures on firearms and ammunition to the local police, the Aviation Security Group and the Army’s Task Force Davao," he said.

Duterte nevertheless cited the contribution of Macariola to the fight against terrorism in this part of the country.

"He has contributed much also like the matter on banning liquid gel, shampoo, lotion and other substances. He also was first in suggesting that shoes be taken off during security check in the airport," the mayor added.

Duterte said the fight against terrorism is a continuing campaign notwithstanding momentary lapses of discretion.