Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez led the oath-taking ceremony of former Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Gilbert Cruz as the new Administrator III of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) on Friday, 24 October 2025.

Cruz’s appointment follows his designation by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as the newest official under the DOTr.

Acting Secretary Lopez expressed full confidence in Administrator Cruz’s capability to lead the agency.

“The President has directed us to always ensure the safety and security of passengers, especially as Undas (All Saints’ Day) and the Holiday season approach. We must further strengthen our security measures, and I have full confidence in our new OTS administrator. I believe he will carry out his duties with integrity, dedication, and excellence,” Lopez said.

For his part, OTS Administrator Cruz wholeheartedly accepted the responsibility entrusted to him by President Marcos and Acting Secretary Lopez.

“The order given to us is to ensure the security of our passengers and the transportation they use—such as our airplanes and airports for both inbound and outbound travel. We will also look into maritime and, of course, even our trains. Ultimately, what we are focused on is the safety of both our passengers and transport operators,” Cruz stated.