Naked man found clinging to an aircraft

Authorities are investigating a security breach at NAIA Terminal 1 after a naked man was found clinging to the landing gear of a parked commercial aircraft at Gate 6 early on 6 May, raising serious concerns about lapses in airport perimeter security.

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Eric Jose Ines confirmed that the man, whose identity remains unknown, was immediately detained and taken to Pasay General Hospital for medical and psychological evaluation.

The security breach was first reported by a private airline security guard on duty, who noticed the mud-covered man embracing the aircraft’s landing gear around 4 a.m. Responding members of the Airport Police apprehended him without resistance.

The aircraft, which had arrived late the previous night, was undergoing routine maintenance checks before its scheduled flight when the man was discovered. Fortunately, no passengers were on board and the aircraft remained grounded while safety protocols were followed.

GM Ines said the incident raises serious concerns about NAIA’s perimeter security and emphasized that all security footage from nearby CCTV cameras is under review to trace the man’s point of entry and movements within the airside facility.

“I don’t know where he passed through, but airport authorities are investigating all possible routes — including perimeter canals and maintenance access points,” Ines stated.

Initial findings suggest the man may have entered through one of the drainage canals surrounding the runway, as he was covered in mud when found.

The Airport Ground Operations Division of the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC), the airport’s private operator, has begun inspecting these areas to check for any breaches or weaknesses in the perimeter defenses.

In response to the incident, NNIC general manager Lito Alvarez ordered immediate reinforcement of all entry points and perimeter fencing to prevent similar security lapses.

“All possible access points — especially along the tarmac — are being reviewed and reinforced,” Alvarez said.

This is not the first recent security breach at NAIA. In January, a young boy was found walking on an active runway, apparently fascinated by the runway lights. The boy’s entry triggered a brief lockdown and a similar review of airport access controls.

Both MIAA and NNIC are conducting separate but coordinated investigations into this latest breach. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Office for Transportation Security have also been notified and may assist in reviewing current airport security protocols.

Despite the alarming nature of the incident, airport officials assured the public that no flights were affected and operations remained normal. Airlines have been instructed to enhance their ramp-side security protocols while the probe is ongoing.

Airport authorities reiterated that any individual found guilty of breaching restricted areas could face criminal charges under the Civil Aviation Authority Act and the Revised Penal Code.