SENATOR Rafael “Raffy” T. Tulfo on Wednesday criticized aviation authorities for poor security features and procedures.
At a hearing, Mr. Tulfo said that several CCTV cameras at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) were non-functional, noting the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) confirmed this after a French national whose P15 million worth watch collection was stolen on Oct. 23 from the Grab booth of NAIA Terminal 1.
Mr. Tulfo gave the MIAA 48 hours to submit a comprehensive report on the status of all CCTV cameras in the airport, emphasizing the need to address security concerns during the Undas season.
He also expressed concern over how P3.54 billion worth of crystal meth (shabu) was intercepted on a private plane bound for Manila that the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines granted a flight permit.
Aviation authorities should form a group focused on drug-smuggling that can monitor and create a list of individuals under the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s watch for ties to the illegal drug industry, the senator said.
He added that airport officials should also have portable computers connected to a centralized database to instantly check passports for red flags.
Meanwhile, Mr. Tulfo ordered the issuance of a show-cause order requiring Lalamove to explain its repeated absence despite being invited to the committee meeting to cover platform concerns.
He warned that failure to respond will result in a warrant of arrest for contempt against Senate inquiries.
Lalamove did not immediately respond to an email request for comment. — Francessca S. Abalos