Airplane passengers will be asked to remove their shoes as the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) strengthens its screening processes at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport all other major airports in the country.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), in an advisory, said the OTS has updated and revised the standard operating procedure (SOP) on screening of passengers, flight crews, and other airport users.
“The mandatory removal of footwear shall be implemented at the Final Security Checkpoint in all airports nationwide effective immediately,” the advisory read.
OTS chief Ma.O Aplasca explained that the measure was meant to enhance the overall security of all passengers and staff, which is aligned with global security standards and best practices.
Requiring passengers to remove footwear, he added, provides an advanced layer of scrutiny while identifying potential security threats.
Aplasca emphasized that it is a longstanding policy and practice, which need to be strictly implemented to ensure security at vital transportation facilities such as airports regardless of the security condition level.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon of Muntinlupa City questioned the airport authorities on the removal of the passengers shoes.
“Is there data on footwear risk? Is there intel on threats? Is there an order from ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)? At a time when air travel is becoming tedious w/ immigration policy, overbooking, delayed & canceled flights, we impose this. Was there a time & motion study done?” Biazon asked.
Aplasca refused however, to publicly discuss their security policies and procedures. “But we respect the opinion of Mayor Biazon. I am sure he will understand this more if he will be in our position. We appeal to everyone to allow us to do our job and our responsibility properly,” he added.
“Let’s be assured that your OTS will always do its best to find the balance between ease of travel and convenience of the passengers versus implementing necessary security measures. Just like we did when we decided to remove the initial screening at the entrances of the airports,” Aplasca said.
Aplasca explained that the mandatory footwear removal is an old policy which we are trying to strictly implement, to prevent circumvention of our security processes. “This policy remains to be effective in detecting prohibited items including explosives and other dangerous materials that may be concealed inside the footwear,” he said.
“This shall be the norm regardless of the security condition level, and even when the threat is low. We have to be proactive, hindi na natin dapat intayin na magkaroon pa ng threat before we implement it,” he added.
Aplasca said they recognize that the strict implementation of this policy may cause slight inconvenience to the passengers.
“However, we are kindly requesting for their patience and cooperation so that we can achieve what we are ought to do, securing the global transportation system with our international counterparts. Our committed OTS Security Screening Officers are directed to provide clear instructions and support throughout the footwear removal process, ensuring minimal disruption to the overall travel experience.”
The OTS also advises the public to wear shoes that are easily removable, to avoid complex lacing or buckling to expedite the screening process. it also reminds everyone to adhere to the current rules and regulations regarding the transportation of liquids, electronics, and other items.
On Dec. 22, 2001, a man was caught trying to detonate a shoe bomb inside American Airlines flight 63 with 197 passengers on board. The aircraft was flying from Paris, France to Miami International Airport in the United States.
Alert passengers subdued the suspect, Richard Reid, and turned him over to airport authorities. The flight was diverted to Logan International Airport in Boston following the incident.
The OTS assured that it is working hand in hand with other government agencies and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to enhance the implementation of standards and recommended practices as embodied in Annex 17 to the Chicago Convention.
