PAL beefs up security checks amid travel warnings on PHL

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Thursday assured its passengers of “heightened" security measures amid travel advisories issued by five countries, including the United States, which gave warnings about travel to the Philippines due to potential terror threats. PAL President Jaime Bautista said the airline is currently implementing “strict, round-the-clock security measures" following foiled “cargo bomb" terror attacks that anti-terrorist authorities say probably targeted US-bound and United Kingdom-bound airplanes over the weekend. “With or without travel advisories by foreign governments, PAL always maintains a robust security system to address all kinds of threats," he said in a press release Thursday. Bautista was referring to travel advisories issued on the Philippines by the US, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, warning its nationals of travel in the country due to possible terrorist threats. (See: US, 4 other countries warn of terrorist attacks in PHL) The travel warnings were issued days after authorities from three continents discovered over the weekend bomb-laden packages originating from Yemen and addressed to synagogues in Chicago. The PAL president said the airline has intensified the use of bomb-sniffing dogs and cargo x-ray machines to prevent similar packages from entering the Philippines. He added that the flag carrier’s security personnel were sufficiently trained, and assured that PAL is implementing local and foreign aviation protocols. “The safety of our passengers is always our top priority and should never be compromised," he said.—Andreo C. Calonzo/JV, GMANews.TV