At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Philippines.
PHOTO BY ARCHIVE
Philippine authorities have proposed the use of body cameras to monitor immigration officers and screening personnel at airports in the country.
The proposal by the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) came after a video went viral of a Thai tourist being extorted by screening personnel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Five NAIA security officers were suspended following the February 22 incident.
In a recent meeting, House Speaker Martin Romualdez revealed that the OTS proposed the use of body cameras to monitor airport security officers and immigration officers on duty.
There are around 1,200 OTS employees in various airports in the Philippines. Airport personnel work in three shifts. Around 500 body cameras will be needed to equip personnel on duty per shift in airports across the country.
Authorities have also proposed installing additional e-gates in the airports to minimize the interaction of security personnel with travelers.
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“We will monitor closely the corrective actions of the DOTr and the OTS to ensure all travelers in and out of our country get the honest and efficient service that they deserve,” Romualdez said.
Meanwhile, the House Speaker said that Philippine Coast Guard personnel will “provide another layer of safeguard” at the NAIA airport and will be assigned to watch over airport screening staff on duty.
“I hope this would somehow cushion any backlash from that embarrassing incident, and that tourists will still choose to visit the Philippines and not be discouraged by the act of erring personnel,” Romualdez said. ICA/Expat Media
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