The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) announced a major upgrade to the nation’s aviation security infrastructure with the arrival of ten (10) new state-of-the-art full-body scanners featuring integrated shoe scanning technology. This initiative is a direct response to President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s directive to accelerate transportation modernization, focusing on improving the passenger journey and strengthening public confidence in airport security.
The new screening equipment is currently undergoing rigorous inspection by the OTS Technical Working Group before full deployment.
The advanced scanners utilize millimeter-wave technology and are equipped with AI-powered software to enhance detection accuracy. Crucially, they eliminate a major point of friction for travelers: the need to remove their shoes during the security process.
“This technology represents a significant step toward more efficient and passenger-friendly airport screening,” said OTS Administrator Undersecretary Gilberto DC Cruz. “By integrating AI and millimeter-wave imaging, we are reducing inconvenience while improving threat detection. These scanners are capable of detecting both metallic and non-metallic objects, including those concealed in footwear, while maintaining a fast, non-intrusive, and privacy-friendly screening process.”
The acquisition directly addresses passenger concerns raised in 2023 regarding the mandatory removal of shoes, providing a faster and less disruptive experience at checkpoints.
The OTS has already deployed seven of the new scanners to key airports and facilities, including those in Bicol, Bacolod, General Santos City, Tacloban, Kalibo, Laoag, and the Maharlika Hall in Pasay City.
The remaining three scanners are scheduled for installation in Cotabato, Zamboanga, and Laguindingan, ensuring a modernized and consistent security experience for travelers across a wider range of airports nationwide.
Undersecretary Cruz also issued a call to action for the aviation sector: “We encourage privately operated airports to consider adopting similar technologies to further enhance security standards and passenger throughput across the entire network.”
This technology rollout is a cornerstone of the OTS’s ongoing commitment to balancing robust security protocols with world-class passenger service.
