Military eyed to boost NAIA security
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Thu, 27 Jun 2019 08:50:09 +0000
The military might be tapped to boost the security measures at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as well as the barter trade in some parts of Mindanao, President Duterte announced last Wednesday.
Addressing the 122nd anniversary of the Presidential Security Group in Malacañang Park, the President said the Philippine Air Force would “take over” the Manila airport if its security situation does not improve.
“Nag-warning lang ako na if that NAIA is not – the security is not improved there – I will order the Air Force to take over kasi you must remember I declared a national emergency when I started as President and I would invoke it,” he said in his remarks.
The Philippine Navy, on the other hand, might be directed to provide security amid the government’s revival of the barter trading system in the South, according to the President. He is apparently concerned that some people might abuse the barter trade to smuggle goods into the country.
“Buksan ko ‘yung ano for barter. Not smuggling. Pero hindi dito sa Zamboanga. Maraming clever dito eh. Naghalo ‘yan diyan. It will be controlled by the Navy,” he said.
The President made the remarks about the possible military takeover of NAIA after he made a surprise inspection of the airport early this month. Duterte has apologized to the air passengers affected by the flight interruptions and vowed to craft a remedy to the airport problems within a month. (Genalyn Kabiling)