Bird flu, terror threats keep MIAA authorities on double alert

As arrivals for the Christmas season begin to peak, airport authorities are on double alert for possible terror attacks and the entry of the bird flu virus. Manila International Airport Authority general (MIAA) manager Jose Angel Honrado admitted Friday the alert from the bird flu virus might make security situation more "complicated" for them. Hong Kong, which hosts thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), confirmed last Friday its first case of human bird flu in seven years. "The bird flu issue may complicate things. But hopefully we will be able to address it. Arrivals are starting to peak, especially because overseas Filipino workers are coming home," he said in an interview on dwIZ radio. Honrado said the MIAA is coordinating with the Department of Health to make sure carriers of the bird flu virus do not pose a threat to the country. Arriving passengers are to pass through thermal scanners and be subjected to ear thermometers. The avian influenza (bird flu) virus, especially its sub type H5N1, presents greatest threat to humans, as it causes caused severe disease and even deaths, the World Health Organization said. [See: WHO bird flu fact sheet] According to WHO, the virus has crossed the species barrier [from birds to humans] at least in three occasions in recent years: in Hong Kong in 1997 (18 cases with six deaths); in Hong Kong in 2003 (two cases with one death) and in the current outbreaks that began in December 2003 and were first recognized in January 2004. On the other hand, Honrado said airport authorities have been on heightened alert because of travel advisories from six countries warning of a possible terror attack. Despite perceived threats, he said airport authorities are preparing to give OFWs a warm welcome. He said Vice President Jejomar Binay, who leads government efforts to uphold OFWs' welfare, had asked airport authorities to help welcome returning OFWs. "We have to integrate everything and make sure coordinated ang galaw namin (make sure we coordinate with agencies taking care of OFWs)," he said. — LBG, GMANews.TV