NAIA security screeners will soon be under MIAA –Abaya

Authority over airport security screeners will soon be transferred from the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) to the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and other airport operators in the country.

At a press briefing on Tuesday, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said the move will help consolidate security personnel under a single authority.

"That's a clear direction para malinaw 'yung chain of command, malinaw din ang responsibility," Abaya said.

The transfer was one of the adjustments made by the government following the controversy over the "laglag bala" extortion scheme allegedly committed by airport personnel on unsuspecting tourists and OFWs.

Once implemented, airport operators such as MIAA and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines will now have full administrative and operational control over the screeners.

"It's a full transfer," Abaya said. "Technically, MIAA personnel na sila (screeners), hindi OTS."

To work on its implementation, three technical working groups will be formed to work on the requirements and budget.

"We want it immediately, in fact, we would've wanted it yesterday, but again, we have to check with CSC (Civil Service Commission), comply with rules," Abaya said.

Abaya clarified that the OTS will still have a crucial part in aviation security, albeit in other aspects of the operation. —KBK, GMA News