Philippine airport authorities including the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), and Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD) Corporation together met with security inspectors from the Saudi Arabia General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) as it prepares for a four-day security assessment of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Clark International Airport beginning May 15 until May 18 2023.
The assessment is an initiative between the government of the Philippines and Saudi to enhance cooperation on civil aviation security matters, more particularly in ensuring that all aircraft operators with direct flights to Saudi Arabia comply with the standards set forth in Annex 17 to the international Civil Aviation Organization, and existing rules and regulations imposed by the government of Saudi.
OTS Administrator Undersecretary Ma.O Aplasca noted that the symbiotic partnership of both countries become especially important in redesigning efforts to leverage shared solutions in addressing evolving terror threats.
“The OTS is looking forward to more international cooperation through similar activities for us to be able to exchange and adopt best practices implemented in other countries such as in Saudi Arabia. For the past years, we have collaborated with the United States, Australia, Canada, and United Kingdom. This time, we are opening our airports to our Saudi Arabian counterparts so that we can also take their perspective on civil aviation security.” Usec. Aplasca said.
In attendance during the entry brief were Transportation Security Oversight and Compliance Service Director Rodel Jocson, International Affairs Division Chief Epifanio Bragais, Policy Formulation and Development Division Chief Alessandra Johanna Arenas, Civil Aviation Security Division Head Judith Rendon, and National Aviation Security Auditors.
Representing the Saudi GACA were security inspectors led by Mazen Abdullatif Aman, Louai Mohammad Al Refaie, Mohammad Fahd Alrebdi, Saleh Mousa Bin Dawod, Mishal Fraih Almouka, and Sultan Saud Muhri.
Also in attendance were MIAA Assistant General Manager for Security and Emergency Services Manuel Gonzales, LIPAD representative Jonel Gaviola.
