NAIA Adopts Full-Body Scanners

11 August 2015

Brand new full body scanners that can detect concealed objects on a person’s body have been installed at all terminals of Ninoy Aquino International Airport for enhanced passenger safety and security.

The new EQO portals employs millimeter wave scanners which makes use of an advanced millimeter-wave technology and low-frequency radiation, making the scanner safe even for pregnant women and those with body implants can detect small ceramics, liquids, metals, narcotics and explosives.

It is manufactured by Smiths Detection and installed by its local distributor Defense and Protection System Philippines Inc. (DPSPI).

During a demonstration tour yesterday, NAIA Terminal 3 Manager Engr. Octavio “Bing” Lina said the new security equipment was procured by Manila International Airport Authority November last year for a price tag of P149,554,720, makes use of low-frequency radiation, making the scanner safe even for pregnant women and those with body implants.

Installation and testing was completed this month. Lina explained that a passenger going through the body scanner will simply have to turn 360 degrees inside the open booth, after which scan results will be shown immediately on the operator’s screen, indicating the location of concealed items.

“Without having to be frisked, passengers will be requested to remove items in question. Privacy is also ensured as the system has a mode that will present only the outline of the body,” says Lina.

The said scanners are now in use at the final security screening checkpoints (FSCP) of each NAIA terminal. There are three units at Terminal 1, five units at Terminal 2, another five units at Terminal 3 and one unit at Terminal 4.

The 14 EQO model portals (full body scanners) will serve as an extra security enhancement augmenting the 26 walk through metal detectors also at the Final Security Check Points of NAIA terminals.