Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered a comprehensive security audit of all airports nationwide following a shooting incident involving a knife-wielding passenger at the Iloilo International Airport.

Nartatez said the PNP has coordinated with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and airport security units to immediately review existing security measures.

He noted that the assessment will cover passenger screening procedures, access point controls, and emergency response protocols as the PNP seeks to identify lapses that allowed a bladed weapon to enter the airport facility.

“We are already coordinating closely with CAAP and other airport security units. We are looking at where the lapses occurred and how we can further strengthen screening procedures, especially in regional airports. What is clear here is that airport security is a shared responsibility, and we will make sure that all agencies are aligned to prevent similar incidents,” Nartatez said.

According to a police report, the suspect, a resident of Camiguin who was scheduled to fly to Davao, was shot on Jan. 28 after he attempted to stab a police officer responding to a disturbance at the departure area of Iloilo International Airport.

The suspect sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and was immediately brought to a hospital for treatment.

Authorities noted that the initial security screening at the departure entrance had been removed in the last quarter of 2025 as part of efforts to streamline passenger movement.

Meanwhile, Nartatez defended the actions of the responding officer as he said such force is necessary to prevent the suspect from harming an officer of the law.

“We want to assure the public that our airports are safe. The police officer acted to neutralize an immediate threat and protect lives. We will not hesitate to act when there is a clear danger to the public, but we always follow due process and the rules on the use of force,” the PNP chief said.