Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered on Tuesday, Jan. 3, all the personnel of the police's Aviation Security Group (AvSeGroup) to assist all the passengers who remain stranded at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
In a statement, Azurin said the same order was issued to the Southern Police District which has territorial jurisdiction over the NAIA complex.
"While civil aviation authorities continue working to restore normal flight operations at the NAIA following a glitch in the air traffic management system, the PNP Aviation Security Group has been instructed to extend utmost assistance to affected passengers who remain stranded in the NAIA terminals," said Azurin.
"The Southern Police District which has territorial jurisdiction over the NAIA complex is also instructed to provide manpower support to the AvSeGroup and the MIAA (Manila International Airport Authority) management for vehicular and pedestrian traffic control," he added.
Hundreds of domestic and international flight passengers remain affected by the technical glitch that hit the air traffic management system at the NAIA on Sunday, Jan. 1.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista already ordered the MIAA and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to assist the stranded passengers.
Azurin said if manpower is still needed, he said other PNP National Support Units such as EOD (Explosive and Ordnance Office/K9 Group and the Health Service may be called upon to provide augmentation and operational support.
"Security and order at the NAIA remains to be the primary concern in our law enforcement and public safety operations," said Azurin,.
"Unattended luggages and influx of stranded passengers at the airport terminals are red flag situations that will prompt our security personnel to take appropriate action to ensure public safety," he added.