CAAP orders security agencies at airports to be vigilant

Law enforcement and private security agencies have been ordered to be vigilant to prevent any untoward incidents that might interrupt airport operations and communications amid the continuing mass protest by the Philippine Airlines Employees Association (PALEA). In an advisory issued over the weekend, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) directed various agencies to keep a tight watch on those who might sabotage or commit criminal acts at the airport and its related facilities. CAAP director general Ramon S. Gutierrez said the directives have been distributed to all airport managers, officers in charge, and other ranking officials and to more than 80 CAAP-operated airport around the country. The PALEA members have continued their protest against the PAL management's outsourcing of its three non-core services, a move that would affect 2,600 workers. To prevent inflicting damage to airport facilities, the CAAP warned that those who violate the provisions of RA 9497, otherwise known as CAAP Act of 2008, and who interferes with air navigation would face imprisonment of not more than three years and 50-thousand peso fine. — B.L. Vergara/AF/LBG, GMA News