Security Concerns Raised at Kalibo International Airport

A recent report published in the Manila Bulletin has revealed an alarming security lapse that took place last month at Kalibo International Airport, gateway to the popular beach resort destination of Boracay Island. According to the report, a female with absolutely no passport or money was able to board a Philippine Airlines flight to Seoul Incheon Airport in South Korea.

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Leah Castro Reginio managed to slip past authorities at Kalibo International Airport in January without any travel documents or money and board Philippine Airlines flight 490 bound for Seoul. Reginio, a native of Antique province, is in her late thirties.

A source at the airport told the Manila Bulletin that Reginio seamlessly proceeded through what was allegedly supposed to be a secure facility, clearing a number of check points including the entrance gate, immigration, and even the boarding gate controlled by staff of Philippine Airlines. 

It was even revealed by the source that Reginio was served in-flight meals during the flight and brought a blanket by one of Philippine Airlines' flight attendants. But after landing in Seoul, it didn't take Korean authorities long to single the Aklan-native out. 

Reginio was observed loitering inside the Incheon Airport, where Korean airport authorities questioned her. As Reginio could not produce a passport or any travel document, she was escorted immediately by Korean officials to board the return flight back to Kalibo.

It is believed that Flight Officers on the Philippine Airlines flight initially refused to board Reginio, arguing with Korean authorities that she was not on the passenger manifest. However, Korean Airport Officers were able to review security camera footage that clearly showed Reginio emerging from the Philippine Airlines flight, shortly after it landed in Korea. 

Reginio was eventually boarded onto the flight, where she was served meals like regular paying passengers. Upon landing back at Kalibo International Airport, Reginio was turned over to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. Officials had a difficult time obtaining information from Reginio when questioned. However, she admitted that she was able to enter Kalibo International Airport and board the flight for free.

After failing to obtain any meaningful information from Reginio, CAAP officials made attempts to locate her relatives in Antique. Upon locating relatives, investigators discovered that Reginio suffers from schizophrenia, a mental disorder that leads to abnormal social behaviour and an inability to recognize reality.

Investigators recalled how Reginio was smiling and laughing the majority of the time that she was being questioned. She even claimed that she had succesfully boarded a ferry without paying anything. Following questioning by CAAP officials, Reginio was later released to a relative without any charges filed. 

However, the incident has raised concerns at Kalibo International Airport, where the security lapses involve a number of parties including immigration, airport authorities, and Philippine Airlines personnel. 

Church and government officials in the province of Aklan have publicly criticized the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines for its mismanagement of Kalibo International Airport, which has long remained a source of frustration for travellers and an embarrassment to the country.

Countless passengers have shared personal experiences revealing the uncomfortable experience of travelling through what is one of the busiest airports in the Philippines. Provincial government officials in Aklan singled out CAAP Kalibo International Airport Manager Cynthia Aspera, holding her accountable for the negative experiences of passengers.

According to Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo, the leadership of Aklan is disappointed in the way that the Civil Aviation Authority operates Kalibo International Airport. "We have been receiving from tourists numerous complaints about the airport's operation," said Quimpo. "There are too many delayed flights, lack of comfort rooms, and air-conditioning units."

A number of on-going issues have been raised regarding the terminal. Most recently, the Panay News reported continued congestion in the passenger terminal building and foul odors infiltrating the terminal from the comfort rooms. In addition, passengers have complained about a lack of seating, long queues for the only two comfort rooms in the terminal, and relaxed security.

Governor Florencio Miraflores expressed concern over the airport's management and is hoping to see improvements this year. But nobody from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines would comment on the issue.

References: Panay News, Manila Bulletin