Airport incident sparks push for more personnel, better coordination

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan is moving to strengthen security and improve facilities at the Iloilo International Airport following the Jan. 28 shooting incident.

During a joint committee hearing on Feb. 5, the provincial board identified priority measures to help prevent similar incidents and address long-standing infrastructure concerns.

Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque, chair of the Committee on Transportation, Communication, and Public Utilities, led the hearing, which focused on airport security protocols, interagency coordination and emergency preparedness.

Debuque said the review highlighted the need for stronger interagency coordination, upgraded screening equipment, additional personnel and expanded airport facilities.

She said the hearing also helped the board better understand airport operations and existing measures meant to protect passengers.

“The purpose of the hearing was not to assign blame but to assess whether protocols are clear, properly followed, and where improvements can be made,” she said.

Debuque said the discussions underscored the importance of improving coordination among agencies involved in airport security.

She identified the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the Department of Transportation, the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group and the Office for Transportation Security as key agencies for closer collaboration.

Debuque also said improving passenger experience remains a priority.

She noted the terminal, built in 2007 to accommodate 10 daily flights, now handles nearly 40 flights a day, straining facilities and causing long lines at screening areas.

Debuque said the board will review findings presented during the hearing and coordinate with members in preparing a comprehensive report with recommendations for relevant national agencies.

The Jan. 28 incident involved a passenger whose baggage was flagged by an X-ray screening machine after a bladed weapon was detected, according to information presented at the hearing.

Authorities said the 54-year-old attempted to flee and tried to stab a police officer, prompting police to shoot him.

Officials said he was hospitalized and a case for direct assault with attempted homicide was filed.

During the hearing, officials said it was the passenger’s first time attempting to board a flight.

They said he had previously traveled from Cebu to Iloilo by ship and was planning to return to Cebu by plane.

According to the passenger’s sibling, he was stabbed in the 1990s and has since frequently carried a knife.

Those present at the hearing included Arthur Parreño of CAAP Iloilo; Col. Bayani Razalan of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office; Lt. Col. Louie D. Dionglay of AVSE Group 6; Sherwin G. Montallana of OTS-DOTr; Col. Adrian Acollador of PRO-6; Regional Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez of DOT Region VI; and Atty. Artem Ron Raymundo of the Provincial Legal Office.

Also in attendance were board members June S. Mondejar, Dominic Paul C. Oso, Esara Andica A. Javier, Jo Jan Paul Peñol, Rolando B. Distura and Rolito C. Cajilig.