ILOILO CITY — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is moving to tighten airport security nationwide following the knife attack incident at Iloilo International Airport that left a passenger wounded after he allegedly tried to stab a police officer.

PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered a full security audit of airports across the country to identify possible gaps in current procedures and prevent similar incidents from happening again.

Nartatez said the PNP is now working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and airport security units to review screening procedures, access controls, and emergency response measures.

“We are closely coordinating with CAAP and airport security units. We are checking where lapses may have occurred and how we can further strengthen screening procedures, especially in regional airports. Airport security is a shared responsibility, and we will make sure all agencies are aligned to prevent similar incidents,” he said.

The review comes after a 54-year-old male passenger reportedly caused panic at the airport on 28 January after brandishing a knife during a second security inspection.

Police said the suspect allegedly tried to bypass security screening. When officers attempted to inspect his bag again, he reportedly pulled out a knife and lunged at personnel, hitting one officer in the chest.

The suspect, reportedly a resident of Camiguin and bound for Davao, was shot by a responding officer during the disturbance at the departure area. He sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and was rushed to a hospital, where he remains under medical care and in stable condition.

Provincial Police Director Col. Bayani Razalan said investigators are preparing possible charges, including attempted homicide, direct assault against a public officer, grave threats and resisting arrest.

“The suspect is currently under hospital care and in stable condition. The investigation is ongoing,” Razalan said, adding that the Iloilo Police Provincial Office is working with the PNP Aviation Security Group in building the case.

Authorities also noted that the initial security screening at the airport’s departure entrance had been removed in late 2025 as part of efforts to streamline passenger movement — something now likely to be reviewed as part of the nationwide audit.