Office for Transportation Security

𝐎𝐓𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐈𝐓 𝐀𝐓 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐎 𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓

The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) conducted a comprehensive security audit at Surigao Airport from May 18 to 22, 2026, to assess the implementation of airport security measures and ensure its compliance with national and international aviation security standards.

The audit was led by OTS National Aviation Security Auditors Anallie Cruzada and Quinna Lopez, who conducted an entry briefing with airport officials to review relevant security documents and evaluate the implementation of approved aviation security measures and procedures.

Following this, the audit team conducted walkthrough inspections of vital security areas, including access control measures, perimeter security systems, and cargo operations. Nighttime observations were likewise carried out to further assess security presence and monitoring procedures.

In addition, interviews with aviation security personnel were also conducted to evaluate their operational readiness and response procedures in handling acts of unlawful interference within the airport premises.

Through continuous audits and oversight activities, the OTS remains committed to strengthen aviation security and ensure safe, secure, and efficient airport operations, aligning with President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance the transportation security systems in the country.

𝐎𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐃𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐂. 𝐆𝐈𝐋𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐎 𝐃𝐂 𝐂𝐑𝐔𝐙 𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐒 𝐅𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐑𝐏𝐌𝐃 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐕𝐄𝐘

The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) expressed appreciation for the recognition in the latest RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. “Boses ng Bayan” Index of Governance (IOG) survey, where OTS Administrator Usec. Gilberto DC Cruz garnered a 63.1% IOG rating, with 62.8% trust and 63.4% performance scores.

The nationwide survey, conducted from April 1 to 8, 2026, underscored the public’s growing preference for government officials who demonstrate accountability, responsiveness, and results-driven leadership in public service.

Aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Bongbong Marcos Jr. to uphold integrity, professionalism, and excellence in governance, the OTS reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthen transportation security and ensure the safety of the traveling public nationwide.

Usec. Gilberto DC Cruz expressed gratitude for the recognition and the continued trust and confidence in his leadership.

“We are deeply honored by this recognition and by the continued trust and confidence in our leadership. It strengthens our resolve to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and efficiency, ensuring that every Filipino can rely on safe, secure, and dependable transportation services,” Usec Cruz said.

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐄𝐢𝐝-𝐀𝐥-𝐀𝐝𝐡𝐚!

On this blessed occasion of Eid al-Adha, the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) sends its heartfelt greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters.

As many families and travelers come together in celebration, may this special day bring peace, safe journeys, and meaningful moments with your loved ones. May the spirit of sacrifice, faith, and generosity continue to inspire compassion and unity in every community.

OTS remains committed to ensuring safe, secure, and smooth travel for all. Eid Mubarak.

𝐎𝐓𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐎𝐍 𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐈𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐑 𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐒

The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) reiterates its reminder to all passengers traveling through Philippine airports to properly declare fi****ms and similar items to the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP AVSEGROUP) and present the necessary documents prior entering the airport, in compliance with strict civil aviation security regulations, as these items may pose serious safety risks and cause public alarm. This is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. to ensure the safety, security, and convenience of all airport passengers.

This reminder comes after Security Screening Officers (SSOs) recently intercepted a total of eight (8) pieces of undeclared training pistols from the checked baggage of two (2) foreign passengers bound for San Francisco via United Airlines, Flight UA 190, at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on May 21, 2026.

The prohibited items were initially detected during routine X-ray screening by SSO Angela Yaguel, who immediately notified Baggage Inspector SSO Edden Inting and Checkpoint Supervisor Lemuel Jay Delmonte, who also coordinated with the PNP AVSEGROUP, the airline representative, and the owner of the luggage.

With the passengers’ consent, the OTS team conducted a manual inspection of the baggage, confirming the presence of the prohibited items, which were immediately turned over to the PNP AVSEGROUP for proper custody and documentation.

Further verification revealed that the passengers were US military personnel who had failed to declare the firearm’s necessary documents at the PNP Fi****ms Depository Booth. After completing the required clearance procedures, the passengers were then allowed to proceed with their flight.

OTS Administrator Undersecretary Gilberto DC Cruz emphasized the importance of the proper handling and declaration of fi****ms and similar items to ensure safe and secure airport operations.

“If you are carrying fi****ms, firearm parts, or similar items, please make sure to declare them at the PNP Firearm Depository Booth before your flight, which is usually located near the airport’s main public entrance. By doing so, it will help you and the entire security operations to prevent delays, avoid unnecessary alarm and with this simple act of compliance, it can make every journey safer and more secure for everyone” said Usec. Cruz.

𝐏𝐇-𝐎𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐔𝐒-𝐃𝐇𝐀 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖𝐋𝐄𝐃𝐆𝐄 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐘

LOOK: In support of the directive of President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. to strengthen transportation security and align the country’s aviation systems with international standards, the Philippine Office for Transportation Security (OTS) and the Australian Department of Home Affairs successfully concluded a two-day knowledge exchange program on screener accreditation from May 19 to 20, 2026, at the OTS Main Office in Pasay City.

The activity was organized following recommendations from the Australian Last Port of Call Assessment conducted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and forms part of continuing efforts to improve the country’s aviation security training framework and regulatory practices.

Throughout the two-day exchange, OTS personnel gained valuable insights into Australia’s risk-based regulatory approach, where private screening service providers operate under close government oversight while maintaining compliance with international aviation security standards. Discussions focused on screener accreditation, regulatory supervision, and practical strategies for strengthening aviation security operations.

The initiative also reflects the growing cooperation between the Philippines and Australia in advancing safe, secure, and efficient aviation operations. Through programs like this, both countries continue to promote knowledge-sharing and stronger partnerships in the field of transportation security.

OTS and its Australian counterparts are expected to continue discussions and feedback sessions to help ensure the long-term benefits of the program and support ongoing improvements in the Philippines’ aviation security framework.

𝐎𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐋 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐎

The Office for Transportation Security (OTS), led by Administrator Undersecretary Gilberto DC Cruz, conducted security inspections at Laguindingan International Airport and Butuan Airport on May 19 and 21, 2026, as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to enhance aviation security operations and strengthen the preparedness of frontline personnel in responding to security threats.

During the visits, Usec. Cruz, together with key OTS officials, met with the airport’s Security Screening Officers (SSOs) and representatives from the PNP Aviation Security Group, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and ABOITIZ Infracapital Cebu Inc., to discuss on current security measures, operational challenges, and the promotion of inter-agency coordination to ensure evolving threats are effectively addressed within the airport environment.

Following the meetings, OTS turned over a total of three (3) pairs of non-lethal restraining tools to support airport security authorities in safely managing incidents involving disruptive individuals.

During the visits, SSOs were also awarded certificates of recognition for their dedication and service. A welfare check followed to assess operational conditions on the ground, ensure personnel well-being, and identify areas for further improvement in security operations.

In his closing remarks, Usec. Cruz emphasized that frontliners are vital to airport security and that their readiness and confidence grow when they feel supported and valued.

“Ang ating frontliners ang puso ng airport security. Sila ang una sa harap ng banta, laging handa at alerto sa anumang security threat. Kaya’t nais naming maramdaman nila ang buong suporta at pagpapahalaga, upang magampanan nila ang kanilang tungkulin nang may kumpiyansa at dedikasyon,” Usec. Cruz said.

This initiative underscores the agency's commitment to strengthen partnerships and equipping transport frontliners with the necessary tools and support to ensure safe, secure, and resilient transport operations, which aligns with President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s directive to further enhance national security measures across key transportation hubs in the country.

𝐎𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭

In line with the directives of President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. to enhance the efficiency, security, and compliance of our maritime ports, the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), led by OTS Administrator Usec. Gilberto DC Cruz, paid a courtesy visit to the Port of Nasipit in Agusan del Norte on May 20, 2026. The visit aimed to assess port operations, promote best practices, and strengthen collaborations among maritime stakeholders.

During the visit, Usec Cruz was welcomed by Atty Khalil Lamigo, Acting Port Manager of the Philippine Ports Authority - Port Management Office (PPA-PMO) Agusan. Together, they conducted a comprehensive walk-through inside the port facility, observing the operational procedures and security measures currently in place. Usec Cruz expressed his commendation to PPA Nasipit for its systematic access control, well-organized operational area, and strict adherence to the National Program and OTS regulations. He emphasized the importance of maintaining these standards to ensure the port’s continuous compliance and operational excellence.

Usec Cruz further highlighted the critical role of a harmonized relationship between maritime law enforcement agencies and maritime stakeholders. He underscored that such collaboration is vital in ensuring a safe, secure, and reliable maritime transport system that supports economic growth and national security.

The visit was attended by officials and representatives from various agencies, including the Philippine Coast Guard, PNP Maritime Group, Maritime Industry Authority, and the Philippine Ports Authority. Their presence underscored the collective commitment of the maritime sector in upholding security standards and fostering sustainable port development.

𝐎𝐓𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐑𝐀 𝟏𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟗 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆

The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) successfully concluded its three-day training on Republic Act No. 12009, otherwise known as the New Government Procurement Act, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) held at Seda Residences, Makati City, from May 11 to 13, 2026. The activity aimed to strengthen the knowledge and capabilities of OTS personnel on updated government procurement policies, rules, and procedures.

The training was led by resource speakers from the Department of Transportation - Philippines (DOTr), including Atty. Zenaida B. Bautista, Acting Assistant Secretary for Administration and Procurement, and Ms. Armi Cecilia L. Dela Cruz, Division Chief of the BAC Secretariat Division, the training gathered OTS officials and employees involved in procurement processes to deepen their understanding of the salient provisions of RA No. 12009, including procurement planning, bidding procedures, compliance requirements, and the promotion of transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government transactions.

Comprehensive discussions and practical insights helped participants effectively adapt to the changes introduced under the new procurement law. Interactive activities and open forums also allowed participants to raise concerns and clarify procurement-related matters relevant to their respective offices.

For its part, the OTS underscored the importance of continuous learning and institutional readiness in ensuring that procurement activities are conducted in accordance with existing laws and best practices.

In line with the directive of President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. to promote efficiency, accountability, and transparency in government service, the training forms part of the agency’s continuing efforts to enhance operational excellence and uphold the highest standards in public service.