UK removes travel advisory on poor NAIA security

MANILA, Philippines — The United Kingdom has removed the notice of the United States’ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from its travel advisory for the Philippines, regarding poor aviation security at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The removal of the DHS warning was made by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the UK in an updated advisory posted on Aug. 9, after US acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan ordered the rescission of public notice on security conditions at the NAIA.

The DHS said the notice was issued and published on Dec. 27, 2018, after multiple assessments of Manila’s failure to adequately implement and maintain international security standards and recommended practices established by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Last week, the UK added information on its travel advisory about the passenger boats that capsized in the Iloilo-Guimaras strait. The British advice on the use of ferries and passenger boats in the Philippines remains in place.

British nationals are advised to avoid travel on ferries and passenger boats if possible, particularly in the current rainy season until December.

“They are often overloaded, may lack necessary lifesaving equipment or be inadequately maintained and have incomplete passenger manifests. Storms can develop quickly and maritime rescue services in the Philippines may be limited,” the travel advisory said.