OTS enforces mandatory removal of shoes

By Joel E. Zurbano

AIRPLANE passengers will be asked to remove their shoes as the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) strengthens its screening processes at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport all other major airports in the country.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), in an advisory, said the OTS has updated and revised the standard operating procedure (SOP) on screening of passengers, flight crews, and other airport users.

“The mandatory removal of footwear shall be implemented at the Final Security Checkpoint in all airports nationwide effective immediately,” the advisory read.

OTS chief Ma.O Aplasca explained that the measure was meant to enhance the overall security of all passengers and staff, which is aligned with global security standards and best practices.

Requiring passengers to remove footwear, he added, provides an advanced layer of scrutiny while identifying potential security threats.

Aplasca emphasized that it is a longstanding policy and practice, which need to be strictly implemented to ensure security at vital transportation facilities such as airports regardless of the security condition level.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon of Muntinlupa City questioned the airport authorities on the removal of the passengers shoes.

This, as Romualdez attended his first town hall meeting during which he spoke on issues related to treatment, care and other problems confronting pediatric and adult cancer patients, their parents and health practitioners.

“To the care and medication of a cancer patient is among the most financially taxing things that a family can experience. It is even more difficult

RELIEF GOODS.

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, TV host Willie Revillame, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, Rep. Sam Verzosa, Rep. Jil Bongalon, and former congressman Christopher Co, hand out relief goods to villagers tentatively sheltered at Gabawan Evacuation Center in Daraga, Albay; San Andres Evacuation Center in Sto. Domingo, Albay; San Antonio Elementary School Multi-Purpose Building, Tabaco, Albay, and Bariw Covered Court, Brgy. Bariw, Camalig, Albay. Norman Cruz if children are involved. Through this medical assistance, we hope to somehow ease the burden on these families and give them hope,” Romualdez said.

All 30 cancer patients who attended the town hall meeting were given Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) of the Department of Health (DOH), or the guarantee letter, amounting to P50,000 each for a total of P1.5 million.

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Monday signed a memorandum of agreement to establish a “harmonized and seamlessly coordinated ICT system” in the country.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to DICT Secretary Atty. Ivan John E. Uy for your presence, support, and partnership in this essential endeavor. I am confident that by working together, we will pave the way for a safer, more secure, and digitally empowered Philippines,” said PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr.

He said the accord will not only foster integration, interoperability, and interconnection between respective systems and applications but also ensure their reciprocal enrichment and interdependence.

“The effective utilization of ICT assumes a paramount significance in safeguarding the welfare, security, and overall prosperity of our society. Recognizing this, the PNP, as the primary law enforcement agency, and the DICT, entrusted with harnessing the potential of ICT for national development, recognize the value of collaboration in achieving our shared goals,” he said. Vince Lopez

CAAP launches 5-day technical exercise

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Monday began its five-day technical mission to further improve its Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Aeronautical Information Services /Aeronautical Information Management (AIS/ AIM) system.

The activity being conducted from July 17 to 21 is being supported by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said the mission’s primary purpose is to conduct an analysis of the ATM and AIS regulatory structure, service delivery-level organization, operating environment and processes in the Philippines, and to provide recommendations on priority areas for consideration.

Joel E. Zurbano

BI warns vs. illegal recruitment of OFWs

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has expressed alarm over the recurring illegal recruitment scheme targeting former overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco cited the recent interception of a 37-year-old Filipina at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 who tried to board a Philippine Airlines flight bound for Doha, Qatar, with a layover in Dubai.

Immigration officers requested verification of the victim’s documents with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and discovered discrepancies, prompting subsequent cancellation of her departure clearance. Investigation by BI personnel revealed that the woman was illegally recruited to work as a household helper in Dubai. Vito Barcelo