Philippine Airport Implements Four-Stage Passenger Check

March 23, 2005
Stricter security measures follow increased possibility of extremist attacks

The Davao City Government ordered on Monday (21 March) strict security measures to be introduced at Davao International Airport in the Philippines.

Because of the increased security measures, the city administrator urged air travellers passing through the Davao airport to arrive two hours before their scheduled departure.

The four stages of inspection include stopping and inspecting every vehicle entering the airport perimeter; manual inspection of baggage before entering the terminal; electronic inspection of baggage; and the inspection of passengers and hand-carried items before boarding the aircraft.

Davao City is a possible target for bombing by Abu Sayyaf terrorists following the death of their top leaders during an assault on a Philippine prison, said the city administrator.