- The Philippines has placed all its commercial airports on heightened alert following an anonymous warning that bombs could go off on planes headed out of Manila, including to several tourist hotspots. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said that immediate enhanced security measures were being implemented at 42 commercial airports across the country.
- The warning had been sent via email to air traffic services about a threat to flights out of the capital Manila headed to Davao, Bicol, and the popular tourist regions of Palawan and Cebu.
- The aviation regulator released an Oct. 4 memo of the order given to airport security managers to beef up security, thoroughly inspect baggage, and conduct round-the-clock surveillance after receiving the email threat.
- The memo included a screenshot of what it said was the threat, which did not contain the word “bomb” but said “an airplane will explode” at Manila’s international airport today and “please beware”. Cebu, Palawan, Bicol, and Davao will also be hit, the anonymous email said.
- Following a warning from an unidentified source that planes may explode, the Philippines has increased security at its airports. According to Philippines Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air is conducting “business as usual” and operating according to standard procedures.
- Law enforcement agencies are closely collaborating, and Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista has intensified patrols and deployed K9 teams to all terminals of Manila’s international airport.
- Scheduled flights shouldn’t be affected, and the government is protecting everyone’s security and safety by putting measures in place. According to Jaime Bautista, the transport secretary for the nation, there won’t be any effects on regularly scheduled flights.
Source:
New York Post
