To deter entry of terrorists FAA puts Saipan on special alert

Federal aviation officials have continuously placed Saipan International Airport under special alert due to intelligence reports indicating vulnerability of Pacific Region from terrorist activities.

Feedback from Federal Aviation Administration disclosed consistent terrorist movements by various extremist group, the most noted is Osama bin Laden’s faction.

Mr. bin Laden is the primary suspect in the bombing of American embassies in Kenya and Tazmania.

The Commonwealth Ports Authority has already beefed up its security measures to ensure safety of passengers. CPA has been strictly monitoring suspicious travelers.

Executive Director Carlos H. Salas said FAA consistently forwards intelligence reports necessary to step up security programs of various international airports in the region.

Even Public Safety officials admitted intelligence reports of terrorist movements although DPS Commissioner Charlie Ingram immediately emphasized that the reports remain sketchy.

Nevertheless, DPS, along with other government agencies, will map out effective programs to combat terrorist activities, said the commissioner.

In addition to constant monitoring, aviation officials also deploy non-uniformed and undercover agents to conduct random security check in efforts to test airport’s security system.

But Mr. Salas assured that the Saipan International Airport’s security system is at par with airports around the world and that CPA has been persistent and aggressive in keeping up with FAA’s standard.

“We are prepared for any problem, we give the travelers the confidence that they are safe and we are continuously trying to achieve and go beyond that objective,” said the executive director.

Special alert was raised in the Northern Marianas and other areas in the Pacific Region as mandated by FAA following the 1995 Oklahoma bombing.

FAA issues four alert levels, the fourth being the most alarming. Saipan is now on alert level 3.

Airport officials also ordered the strict monitoring of passengers originating from countries associated with extremist groups. Officials have installed the precautionary measures due to the fact that small islands like Saipan and Guam are easily used as transit point of international terrorists.

FAA Security Liaison Officer Donald A. Slechta earlier disclosed that Pacific Region is less likely to be the target of international terrorists but can be used as hopping point of terrorists bound for other countries.

Terrorists who target bigger countries like the mainland US can easily travel from one island nation to another armed with fictitious documents and falsified travel papers.

CPA officials explained stricter policies have been imposed to ensure that visitors arriving in CNMI has gone through routine questioning by labor and immigration officials.

But a trained terrorist can easily adapt to any eventuality which should make airport officials ready for any possibility like individuals armed with fake documents but where able to enter the US territory. (EGA)