Mactan Cebu airport on heightened alert

THE Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is on heightened alert in the wake of last Friday evening’s bombing in Davao City.

In their statement, the MCIAA said they and GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) – Aviation Security Unit – Region 7 (AVSEU-7), and the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) – Mactan to secure the airport.

“This is in response to the current assessed threat level at essential public utilities such as airports,” MCIA said in a statement.

The management said the security measures were aimed at ensuring that the best possible level of protection is afforded to passengers and staff at the airport.

The measures that have been introduced with immediate effect include, but are not limited to, the following:

Increased police visibility in the Terminal and outside the Terminal. An MCIAA SWAT Team maintain regular patrols around the area.

Vehicles entering MCIA complex are stopped and checked at Pagasa Checkpoint, backed up by a Lapu-lapu City PNP SWAT Team;

Increased frequency of random frisking at the Security Screening (X-ray) Areas;

Airport and Customer Services staff are directed to remain vigilant and always on the look-out for unusual or suspicious activities with particular focus on unattended bags.

Social media messages advising passengers to allow more time for airport processes due to heightened security measures.

The MCIAA, GMCAC, PNP-AVSEU, and OTS asked the public’s understanding on the added inconvenience passengers and other airport users will be exposed to.

“We apologize for whatever inconvenience this caused even as we ask for everybody’s cooperation in these trying times,” MCIA said.