The Manila Times
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has assured a Senate panel that a thorough investigation is under way into the reported ceiling collapse at the arrival extension area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 that left seven individuals injured. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez assured Sen. Raffy Tulfo, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Services, who raised concerns about the incident and immediately sought updates on the victims’ condition. According to Lopez, the Emergency Response Team of the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), the private operator managing the airport, promptly responded to the situation and provided immediate assistance to those affected. The seven injured individuals, initially identified as well-wishers at the arrival area, were quickly attended to and brought to medical facilities. Lopez said NNIC has committed to shoulder all medical expenses of the victims. Initial reports indicated that one of the victims was injured on the forehead and requested transfer to the Makati Medical Center. The remaining six were reported to be in stable condition. Authorities are still awaiting a comprehensive medical update on all those involved. Tulfo underscored the need for swift and effective emergency response measures, emphasizing that incidents in major transport hubs must be handled with urgency to ensure public safety and proper care for victims. While operations at NAIA Terminal 1 have since normalized, the senator called on the DOTr and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to strengthen enforcement of safety standards and conduct regular inspections across airport facilities nationwide. The DOTr said the ongoing investigation will determine the cause of the ceiling collapse, including possible structural or maintenance lapses, and identify any parties that may be held accountable. Lopez vowed to submit a full report and provide updates to the Senate once findings and recommendations are finalized, as authorities work to prevent similar incidents in the country’s main international gateway.
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