The Philippine National Police (PNP) is reviewing airport security policies across the country after a knife attack at the Iloilo International Airport raised concerns about passenger screening procedures.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered an audit of all airports, with a focus on screening systems, access controls, and emergency response protocols to identify possible lapses.
The directive came following the January 28 incident where a passenger, armed with a knife, tried to attack a police officer at the airport’s pre-departure area. The cop fired his weapon and injured the suspect.
Nartatez said the PNP is coordinating with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and airport security units to immediately review existing measures, particularly in regional airports.
“Tinitingnan natin kung saan nagkaroon ng lapses at kung paano pa mapapalakas ang screening procedures,” he said, stressing that airport security is a shared responsibility among agencies.
In October last year, initial screening at the entrance of the Iloilo International Airport in the town of Cabatuan was removed to ease passenger congestion.
This policy shift aimed to streamline passenger flow and reduce waiting times, as data revealed significant bottlenecks during peak travel hours.
However, the unintended risk of compromising security has become evident after the incident. As a result, the policy is now under review.
Police said the suspect, a resident of Camiguin scheduled to travel to Davao, was shot in the chest and brought to a hospital, where he remains under medical care.
Nartatez defended the police response, saying the officer acted to neutralize an imminent threat and prevent possible harm to other passengers and airport personnel.
“We will not hesitate to act when there is a clear danger to public safety,” he said, adding that all actions are guided by established rules on the use of force.
Nartatez said the results of the nationwide audit will guide possible changes to airport security policies. Authorities aim to strengthen safeguards and restore public confidence in airport safety.IMT
