Iloilo: Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said law enforcers did their job ensuring security at Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan town. He said the incident on Wednesday afternoon was isolated. 'As it appears to me, there were no lapses, but I will have to ask them how the investigation is proceeding,' Defensor said at a media conference on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, on Wednesday afternoon, an X-ray screening machine on the third floor of the airport detected a bladed weapon inside the baggage of a passenger. Instead of submitting the item to the authorities, the 54-year-old passenger attempted to flee and even tried to stab a police officer, prompting authorities to shoot him. The suspect was taken to a hospital for treatment.

A case for direct assault with attempted homicide was filed against the suspect. Defensor said the incident occurred not because of a lack of screening at the departure area. 'In fact, it was detected by the X-ray, but the passenger refused to yield to the authorities. It was a case of someone who did not comply with the police,' he said.

The governor said there is no need to restore the initial screening, emphasizing that it was the Department of Transportation that ordered its removal. 'The general trend in the airports is because of tourism, because of common sense, we reduce the stages of travel for convenience,' he said.