All 42 commercial airports of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) were placed on a heightened alert on Friday, Oct, 6, due to a bomb threat.
The CAAP said that its Air Traffic Service received a warning via electronic mail that aircraft from Manila, bound to Puerto Princesa, Mactan-Cebu, Bicol, and Davao International Airports "are about to be set off by a bomb."
"While the information is currently under validation, immediate enhanced security measures are being implemented across all airports," it said.
CAAP Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) Asst. Director General Ricardo C. Banayat issued a memorandum order instructing all CAAP airports and area centers to augment their security personnel amid the heightened alert "to manage the expected high volume of passengers and vehicle traffic" in airports.
"This is to ensure the safety and security of passengers, airport personnel, and the airport’s facilities," the CAAP said.
"Stringent access control procedures for both personnel and vehicles will be implemented, accompanied by thorough inspections of passengers and cargo," it added.
CAAP-CSIS said that its personnel were collaborating closely with the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) and the military to intensify intelligence and monitoring operations.
"Continuous foot and mobile patrols are also being conducted within both the airside and landside areas of the airport complex," it noted.
CAAP said that airport security coordination meetings will also be convened with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the strict implementation of security measures aimed at preventing any unlawful interference with civil aviation.
"We advise passengers who will be traveling internationally to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled flight to avoid any inconvenience," CAAP said.
"We also urge the public to cooperate fully with security personnel and to remain vigilant while at the airport. Safety and security remain our top priorities, and these measures are being taken to safeguard all those who use our airports," it stated.