The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said it will help review and strengthen airport security protocols nationwide following a stabbing incident at the Iloilo International Airport that left a knife-wielding passenger wounded after he attempted to attack a police officer.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered a comprehensive security audit of all airports to identify possible lapses in existing procedures and prevent similar incidents in the future.
According to Nartatez, the PNP is now closely coordinating with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and airport security units to immediately assess current screening measures, access point controls, and emergency response protocols.
“We are already coordinating closely with CAAP and other airport security units. Tinitingnan natin kung saan nagkaroon ng lapses at paano pa natin mapapalakas ang screening procedures lalo na sa regional airports. Ang malinaw dito, airport security is a shared responsibility, and we will make sure that all agencies are aligned to prevent similar incidents,” Nartatez said.
Based on a police report, the suspect, a resident of Camiguin who was bound for Davao, was shot by a responding police officer on January 28 after attempting to stab him during a disturbance at the departure area of Iloilo International Airport.
The suspect sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and was immediately rushed to a hospital.
Authorities noted that the initial security screening at the airport’s departure entrance had been removed in the last quarter of 2025 as part of efforts to streamline passenger movement.
Addressing the incident, Nartatez defended the actions of the police officer involved, stressing that public safety remains the top priority.
“We want to assure the public na ligtas ang ating mga paliparan. The police officer acted to neutralize an immediate threat and protect lives. Hindi tayo magdadalawang-isip na kumilos kapag may malinaw na panganib sa publiko, pero palagi nating sinusunod ang tamang proseso at rules on the use of force,” the PNP Chief said.
Nartatez noted that the findings of the security audit will serve as the basis for possible adjustments and enhancements to airport security policies nationwide.