Tulfo grills PPA execs over security lapses in piers, Ro-Ro ports

Sen. Raffy Tulfo. (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Raffy Tulfo has grilled Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) officials over the alleged lapses in security protocol and inspection of vehicles that might be carrying contraband or firearms in some roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) ports nationwide.

During the joint hearing of Senate committees on public services, public works, and finance, Tulfo questioned the standard operating procedure in ports nationwide. He also pointed out the absence of X-ray machines for vehicles entering Ro-Ro ships.

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In response, Atty. Sherwin de Joya of the PPA legal services department said police authorities are installed in port areas within the agency’s jurisdiction, adding that security personnel conduct “basic checks” on vehicles entering these Ro-Ro ships.

“The basic checks are similar to what we do in malls. I think that’s the best comparative activity we can say,” De Joya told Tulfo.

Atty. Sheryl de Costa also of the PPA said they have a security plan in place within the ports where police authorities and K9 dogs were used to inspect luggage to detect contraband or any explosives.

X-ray machines for cargoes

De Costa initially disclosed that they have screening units in these ports such as X-ray machines for cargoes. But Tulfo, who said he had been to the port in Cebu several times, disclosed that he had not seen such scanners.

“Do not tell a lie. I know we have those in international ports of BOC. But in piers and Ro-Ro ports are you sure we have X-ray machines?” the senator asked in Filipino.

“We will give you a report,” the PPA official said. That  irked Tulfo even more.

“No, we cannot accept that you will give us a report. That’s what people who are unprepared usually tell us. But since we are talking about piers you should know this because you’re from PPA,” Tulfo said.

He pointed out the insufficiency of PPA’s security plan, specifically the presence of K9 dogs.

“What I’m trying to say is we need X-ray machines in piers or Ro-Ro ports so that vehicles can enter these machines before entering the shops to ensure they are clean and don’t contain contraband or anything we don’t want,” Tulfo said.

PPA officials then noted Tulfo’s suggestion, saying they would coordinate with relevant offices regarding the installment of these X-ray machines.