WHAT appeared to be a short moment of “kilig” for an airport security screening officer might land her in trouble.
The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) is now investigating a video showing a female screening officer who was supposedly seen giggling while doing a body search of members of the Korean boy group ENHYPEN as they left the country through Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on February 5, 2022.
The security personnel also asked the band members to remove their masks briefly.
Other airport personnel were also seen taking videos of the boy group members as they went through the security protocols.
ENHYPEN just finished its 3-day concert in Manila as part of its world tour.
The video generated outrage from ENGENEs, fans of the K-pop boy group, who felt that the airport staffer acted unprofessionally.
OTS probe
The OTS, an attached agency of the Department of Transportation, said it has been made aware of the video circulating on social media “showing that airport Security Screening Officers allegedly exhibited unprofessional behavior and the unwarranted filming during the conduct of security screening procedures on a group of departing Korean artists at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.”
“The management is currently investigating the matter to determine the extent of violation committed based on existing rules and security screening protocols if any, and impose appropriate administrative sanctions, should it be necessary,” it said.
It also reminded both airport staff and passengers that they are not allowed to take videos at security checkpoints in the airport.
“While we understand the excitement brought about by the presence of these Korean artists, we remind not only our personnel, but all airport users, that unauthorized filming at our security screening checkpoints is not allowed as a matter of policy,” it said.
“Rest assured that the OTS shall never tolerate any unprofessional behavior towards the riding public,” it added.
Angry fans
After the video of the security check made the rounds on social media, #MIAAdoBetter trended on Twitter.
ENGENEs expressed their dismay about the treatment of the band members and called out the security personnel for what they described as unprofessional behavior.
According to the ENHYPEN fans, it is not right for the security personnel to take advantage of her power to touch the members of the group, considering that some of the artists are still minors. They also pointed out that rules published earlier stated that airport personnel should not have physical contact with passengers, as pat downs and frisking will only be allowed in exceptional cases.
ENGENEs also sent a message to airport officials to denounce what happened to the Korean artists.
The action of the security act exhibited by the NAIA officer appeared to be a violation of the health and safety guidelines set by airport authorities. The guidelines are the following:
- No masks, no entry: Wearing of other personal protective equipment (PPEs) like face shields, gloves, goggles, gowns, and shoe covers is optional.
- Only travelers with valid travel documents will be allowed inside the NAIA.
- Practice physical distancing from other people at all places, especially when lining up at security checks, check-in counters, pre-boarding, deplaning, Immigration, and customs counters and baggage claim areas.
- Security protocols shall be done via ‘no contact means’ but not limited to the use of walk-through x-rays, portable scanners, handheld metal detectors. Pat downs and frisking will be conducted only under exceptional cases.
Who is ENHYPEN?
ENHYPEN is a Korean boy group composed of seven members, namely Jay, Heeseung, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Niki. The group debuted through the Belift Lab survival program, I-LAND, in 2020.Among the songs that the boy band has made popular are Polaroid Love, Fever, and Future Perfect.
The Korean superstars recently finished their 3-day concert in the Philippines entitled Manifesto in Manila, which took place from February 3 to 5 in SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Banner photo via screenshots from @heyitsdemianne
