AIR CARGO, PUERTO PRINCESA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AIR CARGO SECURITY SCREENING PROGRAM 

The threats on aviation security have been present even before the September
911 attacks, all areas of aviation is vulnerable to this threats. Hence, there is the need
for the study on cargo security which is part of the aviation concern. This study was
focused on the assessment of the cargo security of the PNP AVSEGROUP 4 th PCAS
Puerto Princesa Airport, Palawan. The result of the study will be the benchmark for the
cargo security program. Specifically, it determined the respondents’ assessment on
cargo security, identified the problems encountered and the proposed measures,
ascertained the significant differences in their assessment, and formulated an action
plan.
A descriptive research design was used by the researcher in the study. Using the
stratified random sampling formula, the sample size for the total security personnel of
148 is computed as 108 respondents while the police CAAP CSI and OTS Screening
officers were considered as study participants considering its small size. For this study,
the survey method using a structured questionnaire was employed by the researcher.
Answered questionnaires were recovered and the data gathered were consolidated for
statistical analysis. Percentage, weighted mean and analysis of variance were utilized
as statistical tools. Based on the results of the study, it was found out that the
respondents observed the operational supervision and capability on cargo security as
evident on the variables of supervision, procedure, equipment and facility which

registered the average weighted means of mean of 4.12, 4.18, 3.61 and 3.72
respectively with the grand mean of 3.91.
In terms of the problems encountered on cargo security the variables on
supervision, procedure, equipment and facility were perceived as serious, with average
weighted means of 3.71, 3.47, 3.56 and 3.92 respectively with the grand mean of 3.66.
For the proposed measures to address the problems on cargo security, all the
variables on supervision, procedure, equipment and facilities were viewed by the
respondents as highly recommended.
There were no significant differences between the three groups of respondents
on the variables on supervision, procedure and equipment in so far as the first and
second statement of the problem is concerned.
However, there were significant differences on the variable facility with regards to
the first and second statement of the problem. As for the measures, there were no
significant differences on all the variables of supervision, procedure, equipment and
facility.
The resultant action plan on cargo security included the components on The Air
Cargo Aviation Security Specialization Based Personnel Assignment, Standardize the
Air Cargo Security Operating Procedures, Institutionalization of Air Cargo Security
Screening Physical Measures and the Establishment of the suitable Air Cargo Security
Screening Facility.
In accordance with the findings of the study, the conclusion are as follows: That
despite the limited resources of personnel, equipment and facility, they have
demonstrated proficiency in service through maximizing the only available resources at
hand. That the PNP 4 th PCAs have exemplified the aptitude of protecting the air cargo
with the existing procedures and with the limited training that they possess. This
generally connote that a level of public trust is perceived towards the 4 th PCAS
personnel.
That albeit the evident competent and proficient representation exhibited by the
PNP AVSEGROUP 4 th Police Center for Aviation Security personnel as assessed in
terms of all the variables, in protecting air cargo, there exists the “serious” problems on
air cargo facility, supervision, equipment and procedure in this order. The three groups
of respondents are realistic to recognize these problems. The group of respondents
composed of the security personnel. Cargo consignors and cargo operators, “highly
recommend” all the proposed measures to address the problems encountered on
facility, equipment, procedure and supervision by the PNP 4 th PCAS in air cargo
security. The three groups of respondent were unanimous in signifying the necessity for
changes and major development primarily to the cargo facility.
On the variables of air cargo supervision, procedure and equipment, relative to
the first and second-statement of problems, The three groups of respondents agreed on
the viewpoint of the “evident” observation to PNP protection of air cargo and the
“serious” problem encountered by the PNP 4 th PCAS respectively.
That there is no significant difference on that viewpoint rendered by the three
groups of respondent. However on the facility variable, also relative to the first and
second statement of the problem, although both having the same rating as “evident” for
the first statement of the problem and “serious” for the second statement of the problem,
the respondents differ in their view. All the respondents expect better, if not the best

facility and equipment, and the best service rendered in relation to protect air cargo.
That in like manner to the first, second and third statement of the problem, the facility
aspect is again focused to be primarily enhanced.
Based from the conclusions drawn, the following are recommended: The
perceived good trust must be maintained by the 4 th PCAS through the sustained
proficiency in services rendered through maximizing the only available resources at
hand. First impression lasts and image is everything; airports are the window to what
will be expected from a certain place. To further improve this image, it is recommended
that the ‘tamang bihis” program of the organization must be maintained. This will
strengthen the perception of the public of capable police personnel. The “quality service
lane” of the organization must be extended and kept operational at the passenger
terminal area, within the PNP AVSEGROUP 4 th PCAS office. This will allow the public to
have the welcome view that the PNP Organization is always ready to be of assistance
to their concerns. As for the problems encountered by the PNP AVSEGROUP 4 th PCAS
in protecting air cargo and with the only available resource of personnel and lack of
equipment. The PNP 4 th PCAS currently is demonstrating a capable undertaking of
protecting air cargo with the existing personnel, procedures and measures, The PNP 4 th
PCAS will improve tis undertaking by way of reviewing, developing and implementing
the cargo enhanced procedures with the present set up of the facilities and equipment.
The PNP AVSEGROUP acts as the vice chair to the Airport Security Committee (ASC).
The measures on personnel augmentation and training; procedure review and
development; equipment upgrade procurement and maintenance; and facility
development can be addressed on the proper venue such as the Airport Security
Meetings. The ASC will then address the appropriate authorities on the respective
concerns. The air travelling public expects a safe and secured flight with the integrity of
their bags and cargo intact. To sustain this expectation and further transcend this to an
improved public transport service, the PNP 4 th PCAS must carry out the
recommendations set for training. The training aspect of air cargo security will
reasonably compensate for the lack equipment and facility. What the airport has is what
they can only use. The PNP 4 th PCAS’s mandate of securing the airport and cargo will
not stop with the lack of equipment and facility. The Puerto Princesa International
Airport Cargo Security Program is formulated based from the results of the study. It is
recommended that this action plan program will be implemented. This program will aid
the law enforcers, CAAP-CSI personnel and the OTS SSOs personnel on the proper
implementation of the air cargo security screening procedures at the airport. Within the
provision of the program are the legal bases for all the entities to work within the
parameters of the law. This study will aid the Chief of the Police Center for Aviation
Security on his implementation of security within his areas of responsibility.
The cargo security program developed should be reviewed, developed,
implemented and cascaded to the different airports to enhance air cargo security of
airports in our country.