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The US Transportation Security Administration says it supports “stronger” aviation security in Philippine airports
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It pledges further training and more equipment to the country’s Office for Transportation Security
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TSA official Gary Renfrow assured continued US support for airport officials’ capacity development efforts
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reaffirmed its support for “stronger” aviation security, promising to provide further training and more equipment to the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) as part of its sustainable security initiatives in the Philippines.
In a statement, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said TSA Assistant Administrator for International Operations Gary Renfrow noted the improved aviation security in the country and assured Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista of continued support for capacity development efforts for airport authorities.
Renfrow made his remarks during a courtesy call on Bautista on July 28 accompanied by US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Heather Variava.
“I think we’re making fantastic progress in terms of aviation security here in the Philippines. Our collaboration has been particularly important in this progress, and we are committed to continuing that work,” Renfrow told Bautista.
The two officials discussed challenges in aviation security and how local airport officials are adopting techniques and methods to protect air transportation from various security threats.
Bautista, for his part, assured the TSA that the DOTr and OTS will continue to adopt the best practices in global aviation security to ensure passenger safety in airports.
“You have our commitment to see to it that we continue to adopt the best practices in the [aviation] industry. Our aviation industry now is back to [its] pre-pandemic level [of activity] … so we must ensure the safety and security of all passengers,” the DOTr chief told Renfrow and Variava.
Bautista also acknowledged the various types of support provided by the US government to enhance aviation security in the Philippines. These include security screening equipment, training for OTS personnel, posting of aviation security advisers, and sponsorship of airport observation visits to the Indianapolis International Airport in the US state of Indiana.
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