Iloilo prov’l board to review airport security after scare

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo Sangguniang Panlalawigan will conduct a committee hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 5, to review security protocols at Iloilo International Airport following a security-related incident on Jan. 28.

The hearing was scheduled after the provincial board approved a resolution sponsored by Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque during its regular session on Feb. 3.

“Incidents in high-security public facilities such as airports are matters of legitimate concern to the provincial government, given their direct impact on public safety and public confidence,” Debuque said.

“To give voice to the questions and concerns of our constituents, we called for a committee hearing in aid of legislation,” she added.

The resolution calls for a comprehensive review of airport security measures, including an in-depth investigation, stronger interagency coordination, and the formulation of recommendations to improve public safety and confidence.

The measure was referred to the Transportation, Communication and Public Utilities Committee, chaired by Debuque, and the Public Order and Security Committee, chaired by Second District Board Member June Mondejar.

Airport security stakeholders and concerned government agencies have been invited to attend the hearing to discuss coordination issues, policy-level concerns, and possible gaps in the airport’s security system.

The discussions are expected to guide legislative recommendations or prompt further action by the provincial government.

The Jan. 28 incident involved a passenger whose baggage was flagged by an X-ray screening machine after a bladed weapon was detected.

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

The suspect was taken to a hospital, and a case for direct assault with attempted homicide was filed.

Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. earlier said the incident was isolated and did not result from a lapse in airport security procedures.