2-year delay on CCTV turnover at NAIA irks Dizon

MANILA, Philippines — Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon expressed dismay at the nearly two-year delay in the transfer of closed-circuit television control at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

During an inspection at the NAIA Terminal 1 yesterday as Undas approaches, Dizon was frustrated at how the transfer of CCTV control from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) has been delayed, citing safety concerns.

“The problem here is there’s no single accountability. Our problem is simple, someone was robbed and you are all pointing fingers,” the Department of Transportation chief said.

“We’ve been fixing the transfer since last year. I want this turnover done immediately. So, we will only scold one and you will not point fingers. Nothing will happen to us,” he added.

Dizon ordered the MIAA to turn over the responsibility, authority, and operations of all CCTV cameras to NNIC by November.

He warned the involved officials that they will be fired should they not beat the deadline.

In addition, Dizon ordered NNIC to add more CCTV cameras in every corner of the terminal in order to ensure the safety of passengers.

The inspection was triggered after a French tourist was robbed of three high-value timepieces worth millions.

Dizon said – with the assistance of Sen. Raffy Tulfo and his staff – the suspect was identified and the items were retrieved.

Around 1.2 million passengers are expected to flock NAIA terminals from Oct. 27 to Nov. 4.

On the other hand, Dizon lauded the other improvements of the terminals such as a renovated arrival area and automated immigration gates.

He noted that all Filipinos can access e-gates aside from overseas Filipinos workers and foreigners in order to avoid long lines.

According to the MIAA, they will complete the turnover of the CCTV surveillance system to the NNIC within November.

The MIAA has already completed the final acceptance of the CCTV project, and initiated the necessary arrangements for its formal turnover to NNIC in accordance with the NAIA Public-Private Partnership Concession Agreement.

Meanwhile, the MIAA continues its CCTV repair and restoration efforts, in coordination with Abratique & Associates Philippines Inc., while maintaining appropriate security measures to protect passengers and other airport users. — Rudy Santos