The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) held an online orientation on the Model Aircraft Operator Security Program (MAOSP) on Friday, 18 November 2022, to assist remaining aircraft operators who have yet to submit their Aircraft Operator Security Program (AOSP).
The program is a national requirement for aviation security. Participating airlines were those that have temporarily suspended their operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore, were unable to attend the previous MAOSP orientation conducted by the OTS.
The MAOSP provides for a faster and more efficient mode of developing a security program which shall contain security measures implemented by both domestic and international aircraft operators.
The program further aims to prevent any untoward incidents in their respective areas of operation. This would include contingency plans during acts of unlawful interference, procedures for handling threats, security controls, personnel training, quality control measures, among others.
During the orientation, OTS Risk Assessment Division Chief Winston Antero Barquez comprehensively discussed the Philippine Risk Context Statement. He gave aircraft operators an overview of the current threat situation and how these things could be addressed and mitigated.
For her part, OTS Policy Formulation and Development OIC- Division Chief Henrietta Louise Paz discussed Annex 17 provisions, as well as the requirements embodied in the National Civil Aviation Security Program.
During his remarks, OTS Administrator Undersecretary Ma.O R. Aplasca thanked the participants for joining the said orientation, noting that the OTS will continue to provide assistance to stakeholders through similar activities to further capacitate them in strengthening aviation security.
“Thank you very much for responding to our invitation. We hope that with the knowledge gained today, you will be able to submit an Aircraft Operator Security Program very soon, and I hope to continue the engagement. I’ve given instruction to the members of OTS, even after today’s exercise, to continue our engagement so that if there are other things you want to inquire from the OTS, we will always make ourselves available,” Usec. Aplasca said.
Other OTS officers present during the meeting were Transport Security Oversight and Compliance Service OIC-Director Rodelio Jocson, Civil Aviation Security Division Chief Alessandra Johanna Arenas, and Head Executive Assistant Eugenio Paguirigan.
Participating aircraft operators are the following: STARLUX Airlines, Sunlight Air, T’way Air, Oman Air, Air Busan, Air China, Ethiopian Airlines, HongKong Express, and JetStar.
