Manila: The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) has strengthened its workforce and upgraded equipment at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Administrator Arthur Bisnar said Monday. Several job order (JO) workers have been promoted to contractual status, allowing them to receive benefits, Bisnar shared in an exclusive interview with the Philippine News Agency on Monday. “That means they could receive the benefits of regular personnel, such as bonuses, leave credits, pension, etc. This boosts the welfare and morale of the personnel,” he said.
According to Philippines News Agency, Bisnar said that OTS has hired and trained an additional 115 security screening officers (JO) in preparation for the country’s hosting of the ASEAN Summit next year. This development has brought the total manpower at NAIA to about 1,100. At Terminal 3 in Pasay City, the OTS has started installing advanced security systems, including explosives detectors. More upgrades are underway, such as body scanners capable of detecting both metallic and non-metallic items, and body cameras to monitor checkpoint operations and minimize allegations of theft and ‘tanim bala’ (bullet planting). “These are all part of our program to boost the capacity, capability and credibility of the OTS,” Bisnar said. The agency also continues to conduct security audits and inspections to ensure compliance with national and international standards.
Bisnar, who took his oath of office in March, emphasized the need for more resources to sustain improvements. He has requested additional manpower, higher salary grades, and benefits for frontline officers. “When I was designated as the OTS Administrator, among my first requests were additional manpower and additional benefits such as overtime pay, night shift differential, and hazard pay for the frontliners, especially when they need to work overtime during tropical cyclones or when there are flight delays,” Bisnar said. More funds are also being sought to modernize equipment and improve standards for both screening officers and OTS main office personnel, who oversee security implementation in 42 airports and 170 checkpoints nationwide. Additional funds for the procurement of security screening equipment were also requested as part of the equipment modernization program. “By addressing these, we believe we could provide better services to the people,” he added.