PNP-AVSEGROUP, MIAA-APD, DOTr-OTS, Overlapping Security, NAIA 

This paper examines the overlapping roles and functions of three security groups at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in the Philippines: The Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group or PNP-AVSEGROUP, MIAA Airport Police Department or MIAA-APD, and Office of Transport Security, Department of Transportation or OTS-DOTr. Even though each of he groups is empowered to perform certain tasks, certain areas of interaction are positive and negative in the context of access control, patrols, surveillance, and intelligence analysis. Specific coupling areas such as the utilization of collaborative access control and coordinated patrols enhance security effectiveness through improved coverage. Yet, some deficiencies are attributed to communication breakdown and inconsistencies in information sharing. The paper focuses on an event where there was confusion on which partner had jurisdiction as well as the roles and responsibilities of the PNP-AVSEGROUP and the MIAA-APD that almost led to a physical confrontation. Some of the challenges that were noted as having an insignificant impact on effective security operation include the high passenger traffic, technological failures, human mistakes, and public trust. The paper calls for improving tole definition, cooperation between agencies, personnel concerns, and integrating security with customer relations. Suggested measures include mutual training and drills, using existing guidelines, and joint mechanism to exchange information. It is important for NAIA to address structural concerns and to promote a collaborative approach to security in order to effectively archive and sustain a proactive and comprehensive security system amidst evolving threats and threats that are diverse in nature.