The mandatory shoe removal in all international airport terminals in the country has been "suspended" after the Office for Transportation Security agency issued a directive order dated 13 October 2023.

The order was signed by OTS Administrator Undersecretary Ma O Aplasca and addressed to all regional chiefs, terminal chiefs, shift-in-charge, checkpoint supervisors and all security screening officers nationwide.

The  order was in line with the directive of  Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista to suspend  the shoe removal policy which is under review as to its effectiveness because of the ongoing congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as well as the  complaints they are receiving from passengers.

Departing passengers bound for the United States, however, are required to undergo inspection and shoe removal at the final security checkpoint.

The said directive will not cover those stipulated or required during or under the following:

• Screening of passengers and flight crew using body scanners
• During heightened alert (SECCo II and III)
• Alarm resolution

OTS said that the mandatory shoe removal policy was implemented on 10 July, 2023, and is addressed to all international departing passengers, including airport personnel and airline crew.

The agency added that the removal of shoes is an old policy worldwide following the shoe bombing attempt in 2001, and OTS is strictly implementing it to ensure the security of passengers and airport users.

Effective policy

According to the OTS, the shoe removal policy was effective in detecting prohibited items, including explosives and other dangerous materials that may be concealed inside the footwear.

On 22 December 2001, a suspected terrorist boarded an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami carrying homemade bombs concealed in his shoes. Attempting to set off his shoes during the trip, the passenger was stopped after crew members and other passengers saw him struggling to light the fuse. The flight was diverted to Logan International Airport in Boston, where police arrested the alleged terrorist.