SECURITY screening at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals is on high alert and the Office of Transportation Security, manning the initial and final security check, now requires all airport users to remove all metal objects such as watches, belts, wallets and shoes for X-ray scanning.
Airport employees say the strict screening comes in the aftermath of a commercial plane in Somalia that made an emergency landing due to an onboard explosion minutes after its takeoff last Tuesday.
Reports said that an Airbus A321 type aircraft of Daallo Airlines on flight D3159 was forced an emergency landing minutes after taking off from Mogadishu International Airport in Somalia following an onboard explosion that created a large hole on the side of the aircraft.
Jorivel Anne Jose, an OTS security screener said that they are requiring departing passengers to remove all metal objects and shoes—especially those with extended soles—and place them on a tray for X-ray scanning.
Jose said a passenger might place pointed metal in their belt buckle or explosives or gunpowder in their shoes or wallet.
“We want to ensure the safety of passengers against possible terrorist threat while on board an airplane,” she added.
