MANILA, Philippines– President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered an investigation into the malfunction of vehicle barriers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 following a fatal accident on Sunday that left two people dead, including a 5-year-old girl, and injured four others.
The crash occurred when a vehicle was unable to stop and the barriers failed to function properly. The bollards in question were installed in 2019 during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The investigation will examine the technical specifications, procurement process, inspection records, and the possibility of replacing the existing barriers. Marcos directed relevant agencies to expedite the probe and submit a comprehensive report on the incident and the integrity of the installed safety equipment.
In response to the accident, new safety measures are being implemented at the terminal. The Department of Transportation, along with other concerned agencies, is coordinating efforts to enhance airport safety and prevent similar incidents.
Officials noted that the young girl who died in the crash was at the airport to see off her father, underscoring the tragic nature of the incident. Authorities are reviewing current safety protocols and infrastructure at NAIA Terminal 1 to identify any lapses.
President Marcos stressed the need to uphold stringent safety standards at public facilities to ensure the protection of travelers and personnel. A review of the procurement and installation of the vehicle barriers is expected to determine whether all safety and regulatory standards were met.
