Iloilo: Security measures are tightened at the Iloilo International Airport in the Municipality of Cabatuan while concerned authorities come up with enhanced protocols following an incident on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Airport Terminal Supervisor and Public Information Officer Arthur Parre±o stated that personnel from the Philippine National Police, the Civil Aviation Authority Security and Intelligence Service, and private security providers are deployed to assist in securing the airport. Parre±o mentioned that the current measures will serve as a temporary solution until a comprehensive assessment is conducted.

He explained that authorities will evaluate and conduct a risk assessment to prevent a repeat of the incident. The situation arose on Wednesday afternoon when a 54-year-old male passenger was found with a bladed weapon in his baggage during the central security screening on the third floor of the airport.

The passenger refused to cooperate and attempted to flee. During the altercation, he retrieved the knife from his bag and tried to stab responding authorities, leading Aviation Security personnel to shoot him. The suspect was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment.

Col. Bayani Razalan, director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Police Office, stated that they are still investigating the suspect, who has been evasive and provided very limited information. The Cebu-bound suspect was found with two identification cards featuring different addresses and was identified as a former security guard based on one ID.

Razalan confirmed that the suspect is facing charges for direct assault with attempted homicide and assured that the incident was isolated.