MANILA – Authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) seized a large shipment of shabu worth an estimated P72 million on Monday (06 Jan 2025), hidden inside an abandoned piece of luggage that arrived from Johannesburg, South Africa.

The operation was carried out by the NAIA-Inter Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

According to a statement released by PDEA, the suspicious luggage was found at the airport’s Custom Exclusion Room in Terminal 3, which handles international arrivals.

The bag was abandoned and had no identifying owner when discovered around noon.

Upon inspection, agents found a significant quantity of shabu concealed within the luggage. The drugs were subsequently seized and transported to the PDEA laboratory for further analysis and processing.

“The successful interdiction is a major blow to drug trafficking activities at the airport and underscores the continued vigilance of our operatives,” said a PDEA spokesperson.

The shipment, which originated from Johannesburg, is currently under investigation, and authorities are working to trace both the sender and intended recipients of the contraband.

Once identified, those responsible for the shipment will face charges under Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, as well as possible violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

This latest bust is part of ongoing efforts by the Philippine government to combat the illegal drug trade, particularly in key transit points like NAIA.

The airport’s strategic location makes it a frequent target for smugglers attempting to move illicit substances into the country.

The PDEA and other law enforcement agencies have vowed to continue ramping up their operations to prevent similar illegal activities from succeeding in the future.

The investigation into the matter is ongoing.

elamigo/mnm

MANILA — At the parking facility of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Monday, April 22, 2024, a distressing incident unfolded as flames engulfed approximately 19 vehicles.

Miraculously, no injuries were reported. According to the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), the conflagration erupted at the parking extension area.

MIAA Acting General Manager Eric Jose Ines recounted the rapid spread of the fire, initially reported as one vehicle ablaze, but upon the Fire Department’s arrival, numerous others had succumbed to the flames. Ines lamented the severe damage inflicted upon most of the vehicles.

Despite the chaos, normal airport operations persevered, and flights remained unaffected, Ines reassured. Fortunately, the swift response of emergency services contained the blaze, with fire out declared at 1:57 p.m., mere minutes after the alarm was raised at 1:28 p.m.

In investigating the incident, authorities are exploring various factors, including extreme heat and the possibility of a grassfire, compounded by windy conditions in the vicinity.

In clarifying responsibility, Ines emphasized that the MIAA bears no liability for the occurrence, as the parking area is under the jurisdiction of a private concessionaire.

Through this challenging ordeal, the safety and well-being of passengers and airport personnel remained the utmost priority, affirmed MIAA officials.

(el Amigo/MNM)

MANILA — In a significant development for Philippine aviation infrastructure, the SMC SAP and Co Consortium, which emerged as the frontrunner in the rehabilitation efforts for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) recently, on Friday (16 Feb 2024) thanked the Department of Transportation for carrying out a clear and thorough bidding procedure.

During the press briefing, the consortium expressed gratitude to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), led by Secretary Jaime Bautista, for conducting a transparent and exhaustive bidding process.

“We extend our appreciation to the DOTr and Secretary Bautista for their diligent efforts in overseeing a fair bidding process,” stated the consortium representatives.

Furthermore, the consortium commended the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for its unwavering commitment to the modernization of NAIA.

The consortium is made up of the San Miguel Corporation, RMN Asian Logistics, RLW Aviation, and Incheon International Airport Corp.

Highlighting the meticulous planning behind their proposal, the consortium emphasized its dedication to elevating NAIA to international standards while ensuring a favorable revenue-sharing arrangement for the government.

“Our proposal is designed not only to enhance NAIA’s global competitiveness but also to secure the best possible outcomes for both our stakeholders and the Filipino people,” affirmed the consortium.

Moreover, the SMC SAP and Co Consortium pledged collaborative efforts with the government and all relevant stakeholders throughout the rehabilitation process.

“We are fully committed to working closely with the government and leveraging all available resources to realize our shared vision of transforming NAIA into a world-class international hub,” concluded the consortium representatives.

The rehabilitation project holds significant promise for enhancing the country’s aviation sector and bolstering its position on the global stage.

(By el Amigo/MNM)