Wazzup Pilipinas!
"Having an access pass gives you the opportunity to enter the area but that does not exempt you from following the protocols there. All of us must follow and respect protocols.", this is how Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade views the recent incident involving an alleged security breach at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on Saturday, 29 September 2018.
On Sunday, a netizen posted a video on social media showing ACTS OFW Rep. Aniceto John Bertiz III deliberately disregarding security protocol. The solon was seen forcibly taking the identification card of the Screening Security Officer (SSO) from the Office of Transport Security (OTS) personnel later on identified as Hamilton Abdul.
In the viral video, which earned the ire of netizens, the lawmaker was also seen to be flaunting his identification card.
Although the incident is currently subjected to further investigation, Secretary Tugade believes that no one, most especially public servants, are entitled to violate international safety and security protocols.
"Dapat yung pagdidisiplina, may kasamang political will. Kung pabayaan mo, uulit at uulit ‘yan. Protocols are set to safeguard security and order in our transportation hubs", Sec. Tugade said.
In a statement, Rep. Bertiz issued a public apology, but insists that there were Chinese-looking men who were ahead of him and were let pass security protocol.
However, contrary to Rep. Bertiz' allegations, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal said that after having reviewed the CCTV Footage prior the arrival of Cong. Bertiz at the final screening area of the NAIA Terminal 2, there were no Chinese looking men being assisted by NAIA staff who were let pass security protocol.
Further, GM Monreal said he finds no reason to doubt the SSO’s performance of duty citing that it is his duty to implement standard operating procedures to all departing passengers.
"Nareview natin CCTV footage, halos 20 to 29 minutes iyon before the incident pero wala tayong nakitang allegedly Chinese looking men being assisted by NAIA personnel. Pero kung mayroon siyang maipapakitang ebidensya o video ng ibang nakalagpas iimbestigahan din natin,” said GM Monreal.
For his part, OTS Administrator Arturo Evangelista reminded the Congressman, and all other passengers, to abide by the laws pertaining to boarding the aircraft.
“Kung ayaw mo magpa-tanggal ng sapatos, kung ayaw mo magpa-search, okay lang, pero ‘wag ka sumakay sa eroplano. Kasi nasa kontrata yan... Nung bumili ka ng ticket, nakalagay yan dun, na dapat magpa-search ka, pati yung luggage mo. The airline has all the rights not to allow you boarding, kung ayaw mong magpa-search," Usec. Evangelista said.
Meanwhile, Secretary Tugade assured all concerned groups and individuals that fair judgment will be carried out in the course of investigation.
“The incident is far from being over as this should be an eye-opener for public servants to stay humble. We need to follow best practices overseas. We will uphold what is right and what is best for the greater good. We should set a good example as public servants,” Secretary Tugade said.