AUSTRALIA PROVIDES SUPPORT TO STRENGTHEN AVIATION SECURITY IN THE PHILIPPINES
The Australian Government recently provided the Philippine Office for Transportation Security (OTS) with training equipment for the Aviation Security Training Centre, strengthening the country’s capacity to secure its aviation system.
“The assistance seeks to enhance transport security measures across the country and reduce the vulnerability of transport systems to security threats,” Ambassador Rod Smith said.
The training facility equipment is part of Australia’s continuing security capacity building support that will enable the Philippine OTS to standardise training and application of aviation security measures across the Philippines.
The program also funded the training of Philippine aviation security officials on International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) courses at accredited facilities in Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Auckland. This training has built the subject expertise of aviation security managers, technical personnel and training staff.
”The assistance will significantly increase the capacity of the Philippine OTS to conduct aviation security training both in Manila and other regional airports throughout the country,” Ambassador Smith said.
Australian Office of Transport Security Executive Director, Mr Paul Retter, and Philippine OTS Director, Col Lucas Cauton (designated Officer-in-Charge), formally signed a Deed of Donation that marked the official turnover of the equipment on 2 March 2009. During the ceremony, Mr Retter was presented a plaque of appreciation from Undersecretary Cecilio R. Penilla, Philippine OTS Administrator, for his role in assisting the Philippine Government.
“Australia’s assistance will further develop the Philippine OTS capability to safeguard aviation against possible threats using internationally-recognised ICAO standards,” Director Cauton said.
The Ambassador said that Australia stands committed to assist Philippine aviation officials in ensuring the security of its transport system.
Australia and the Philippines share a strong bilateral defence and security relationship that aims to counter global and regional threats. Since 2006, Australia has committed up to Php10.9 million (A$340,000) for the implementation of a broader range of aviation security assistance measures to safeguard the long-term security of Philippine aviation and the travelling public.