Transportation Security Administration Federal Security Director Friend Walker in an interview said he was stationed in the Philippines for two years.
“Part of my responsibility there was providing anti-terrorist detection services, and I know there are terrorist groups in the Philippines. I have no firsthand or immediate knowledge of any direct threat but the simple fact that the Philippines is so close and that terrorists live there, we need to pay close attention in doing our security screening to make sure that all our passengers are safe,” Walker said.
But he assured that no extra security measures will be implemented for passengers flying in from the Philippines.
“All passengers will be treated the same at the airport. We are following a one-size fits all process,” Walker said.
“If an alarm has been issued, then we will do what is necessary for extra security,” he added.
Walker said he is encouraging all airport officers to continue being vigilant and diligent in their jobs to ensure that the security and privacy of passengers will be maintained.
He said in his two months at his new post here, he has not encountered any problems with the security screening processes at the airport.
The local airport has one advanced imaging technology machine manned by several part-time and full-time personnel on different shifts, but there have been no incidents involving passengers resisting body scanners and screening.
“The machine is working well, and the feedback from passengers is good. Again, our concern is about safety and privacy of our passengers, and our passengers know that,” Walker said.
The CNMI gets tourists and visitors from different countries but language barrier is not a problem with the security procedures, he added.
“We have officers who are fluent in several languages, and signs with translations are posted in different areas in the airport, he said.
If confusion arises, the officers can help with translations to resolve any problems immediately, he added.
