Security tightened near NAIA for PAL union rally

Police on Friday noon tightened security near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport hours before a massive protest by ground crew union members of flag carrier Philippine Airlines. Several police personnel were deployed to the road leading to NAIA Terminal 2 at noon, according to a report by radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen. Anti-riot police teams from the Regional Public Safety Battalion of the Metro Manila police joined counterparts from the Eastern and Southern Police Districts. The anti-riot police arrived in the area Friday morning but initially stayed at the Nayong Pilipino area. Deployed to the corner of NAIA Road and Sucat Road as well were police who arrived on three 6x6 trucks. For its part, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority installed a closed-circuit television camera at a lamppost near the corner of NAIA and Sucat Roads. The Bureau of Fire Protection and the MMDA also deployed fire trucks to the area. Earlier, the PAL Employees Association (PALEA) vowed to stage a big protest rally at the NAIA Friday afternoon, the last day of work for 2,600 PAL employees affected by PAL management's outsourcing plan. The union said it has already set up a protest camp outside the PAL In-Flight Center along MIA Road near Terminal 2 where several hundred PALEA members are staying at any one time. On Friday, PALEA said it and other labor groups are scheduled to hold rallies at Davao International Airport and at the old airport in Bacolod City. On October 1, meanwhile, labor groups including PALEA will stage a Lakbayan from Cebu City to the Mactan International Airport at Lapu-Lapu City. PAL 'reassurance' Meanwhile, PAL management reassured its customers it will get into better shape as it restructures its operations. PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista made the reassurance in a video message posted late Thursday on video sharing site YouTube. “(I) assure you that your flag carrier is doing all it can to preserve our current service levels. We are also working double time to ensure that possible glitches will only be temporary. All these we are doing to ensure PAL will be in a better shape to give you the best service that you deserve," he said in the video. Since Tuesday, PAL had been scrambling to fill the void left by ground crew union members who staged a sit-down strike to protest the outsourcing of the non-core businesses. PAL had canceled several international flights and made alternative arrangements for other flights in past days. In his video message, Bautista also defended PAL’s decision to spin off its three non-core operations and allow other entities to take over them. “As the nation’s flag carrier, PAL is always committed to deliver the highest standards in safety, services and products. But in an increasingly competitive environment, this poses a great challenge. To remain viable and to continue serving you for many years to come, your airline needs to be more innovative and cost-efficient. This is why Philippine Airlines decided to spin off and outsource part of its operations to other entities," he said. “During this transition phase we recognize that you our valued customers may experience some inconvenience. For this I personally apologize," he added. — LBG, GMA News