Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 5) — The technical issue that affected hundreds of flights and thousands of passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on New Year’s Day should be considered as a national security concern, a senator said Thursday.
‘
“More than the safety concern, I think it is also a national security concern,” Sen. JV Ejercito, who is also vice chairman of the Committee on Public Services, told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
‘
The timing is questionable given that this happened on a day when many are traveling amid the holiday season, he also pointed out.
‘
A Senate inquiry into the NAIA mess that affected around 65,000 passengers will be done on Jan. 12 to be led by the committee chairman, Sen. Grace Poe.
‘
“What happened on January 1 should be an eye opener for us,” Ejercito said. “It’s not only for commercial, it’s not only for the safety of air travel, but I think for national security as well because for several hours we were blind.”
‘
While the investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is still ongoing, Ejercito said the incident could have been caused by either a sabotage, incompetence, or machine failure.
‘
The senator said there should be no room for error as the air traffic management system is vital when it comes to monitoring the country’s aerospace, especially aircraft entering it.
‘
While he emphasized the need for a backup system to be established, Ejercito said the country’s existing Communications, Navigation and Surveillance Systems for Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) is still not outdated but can be upgraded.
‘
He said he also supports the plan to purchase a new CNS/ATM as earlier signified by authorities.
‘
