PNP-AVSEGroup conducts bomb explosion response simulation exercise at NAIA

Police on Tuesday conducted a simulation exercise of responding to a bomb explosion at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, according to a report by Marisol Abdurahman on Balitanghali.

A bomb explosion was set up for the exercise, while bloody "bodies" were seen lying on the ground and inside cars.

Later, a bomb technician wearing a protective suit arrived and inspected the parked cars to check if there were other explosives still present in the area.

Representatives from the explosives and ordnance division followed with a K9 unit, which confirmed another explosive device.

The bomb technician went back and covered the explosive with sand bags before it detonated.

After the explosion, the medical team followed to check the condition of the affected victims and eventually evacuated them.

When all of the victims both alive and deceased were recovered, the SOCO team arrived at the scene.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Aviation Security Group (AVSEGroup), the simulation exercise aims to exhibit their preparation in responding to this kind of incident.

AVSEGroup Director Joel Ordoña said that the exercise should be conducted more frequently, but added that it is good that they are able to do it at least once a year.

One of the observers, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Guillermo Eleazar said he was satisfied with the performance of the team as they followed the standard operating procedure.

“Ginagawa natin ito bilang pagtugon kung sakali man magkaroon ng ganitong sitwasyon, na sana ‘di mangyari,” Eleazar said.

While recognizing that the simulation will be different from a real bomb attack, Eleazar said it is still important.

“Napakalahalaga na alam niyo ang steps na gagawin, so that kung merong real situation, more or less prepared tayo at hindi nagpapa-panic,” Eleazar said.

Representatives from the US and the Australian embassy were present to observe the simulation exercises, the report said.

Currently, no specific threat was directed to Metro Manila, but still the authorities were on heightened alert.

“Ang challenge talaga namin really is to provide security sa mga airports and we hope sana talagang walang mangyari as long as nagawa natin ang trabaho natin,” Ordoña said. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA News