The following is an update on the steps being undertaken by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in relation to IMO Resolution No. A.924(22), particularly the review of measures and procedures in the prevention of acts of terrorism which threaten the security of passengers and crew as well as the safety of ships. By the same measure, the IMO Security-General was requested to take appropriate action, within the Integrated technical Cooperation Programme, to assist governments in strengthening maritime and port security.

Initially, the Maritime Security Seminar/Workshop and Conference was conducted on 10-11 October 2002 at the port District Office (PDO) - Southern Mindanao and participated in by all Port Managers, Security Staff Officers and Station Commanders. The purpose of the undertaking was to familiarized the participants with the concepts and principles of maritime and port security, and ensure their understanding of the methods of conducting a port facility security survey.

Immediately thereafter, PPA Operations Memorandum Circular No. 02-2002, dated 05 November 2002, was issued to Port District Managers and Port Managers regarding Conduct of Comprehensive Security Survey/Plan, particularly directing all concerned to conduct security survey of the base ports and terminals under their respective jurisdiction. The Memorandum basically contains specific guidelines and procedures on the preparation and accomplishment of the required security survey/plan. The Office of the Assistant General Manager for Operations (AGMO) validated the Port Security Plans submitted by the Port Management Officers (PMOs) through a series of presentations given by the different PDOs/PMOs during the period 10 April 2003 to 06 May 2003.

Eight of the submitted PMO Port Security Surveys/Plans were approved for implementation on 8 July 2003. These are the Security Surveys/Plans of PMOs South Harbor, North Harbor, Betangas, Surigao, Pulupandan, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro and Cotabato. The rest still lack certain important provisions as condition for their approval.

To properly implement each Port Security Plan, PPA Memorandum Order No. 971-2002, dated 28 November 2002 was also issued designating PMO-PPD Managers/Station Commanders as Port Facility Security Officer of their respective PMO.

With the adoption of the international Ships and Ports Security Code (ISPS Code) on 12 December 2002, PPA Memorandum Circular No. 10-2003, dated 29 March 2003, regarding the Conduct and Submission of Comprehensive Security Survey/Plan, and Designation of Port Facility Security Officer, was issued to all private port operators/owners. As of this date, 22 private port operators/owners have already submitted their security plans.

To enhance the preparedness of PPA in the formulation of the Port Security Plans to comply with the requirements of the ISPS Code, several Station Commanders underwent seminars/workshops on the subject sponsored by IMO and the Australian government, particularly the Australian Customs Service (ACS) and the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DoTars) on 28 July - 03 August 2003 and 20-24 October 2003, respectively, Both seminars/workshops were held at the Philippine Coast Guard Officers. The same kind of seminar-workshop is scheduled on 10-12 December 2003 to be held at the MML Development Center in Antipolo City with the PDO Managers, Department Managers of the Operations Office and selected Operations and Port Police Officers who have undergone related seminar-workshop. The Resource Persons of the seminar-workshop will be experts from Netherlands as arranged by the PPA Training Center.

Last 03 December 2003, the PPA-PPD Superintendent and some of his Staff, including the Station Commanders of North Harbor and South Harbor, attended the Seminar on Maritime Security: Countdown to ISPS Code Deadline held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Makati City. A seminar requirement was the submission by all PMOs of their revised comprehensive Port Facility Security Plans in accordance with the ISPS Code before end of February 2004. By early March 2004, the revised Security Plans will be submitted to the general Manager for approval.

In view of the above preparations, it is, therefore, expected that ports under the Philippine Ports Authority will be ISPS - compliant March 2004.

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