Fans are Enraged After Security Staff at NAIA Frisked Their K-Pop Idols

On February 6, 2023, some fans of K-Pop group ENHYPEN were enraged after a TikTok video showing a female security staff at NAIA frisking the group, went viral. ENHYPEN was in town for their sold-out “Manifesto” concert in Manila.

this is so??? nakakahiya naman… pic.twitter.com/wqMb6FyKJo

— lex ???? | TAEHYUN DAY! (@enluv4L) February 5, 2023

“This is so? Nakakahiya naman!” said one Twitter user who reposted the video, without elaborating. 

“She’s literally giggling like my blood is boiling,” a Twitter user wrote in all caps in the comments. The user also accused the airport staff of unprofessionalism, claiming she is abusing her position. “She had absolute (sic) no reason to do that. She’s hella abusing it. Pulling down the mask and patting them down when the scanner thing was green?!”

Actually, “pulling down the mask and patting them down when the scanner thing was green” is a normal airport security protocol that nearly all passengers have to go through, wherever airport you might be. It is fortunate that security standards have improved at NAIA, and is now following this simple procedure implemented even in Singapore’s Changi Airport, which has been consistently recognized as the World’s Best Airport from 2012 to 2019.  

Another commenter argued that the Philippines is implementing a no-contact policy at the airports.

But an interview with a flight crew member of a local carrier revealed that this is not always the case.

“Even as a crew member, I also get frisked when there are things in my pocket that I forget to put on the tray,” said a female flight attendant, who requested not to be named. “Even as a passenger, when the detector beeps, I get patted down around my belt area and pants, so it’s the first time I’m hearing this no-contact policy,” she added. 

The no-contact policy at the NAIA-MIAA was implemented in June 2020 at the height of the pandemic and during the most stringent phases of the lockdowns in the Philippines. The government has since relaxed most travel restrictions, and Manila remains in Alert Level 1.  

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is aware of the incident and has released a statement: 

“The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), in coordination with the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), shall monitor the progress of the investigation about the viral video involving their personnel. Rest assured that the MIAA will not condone any and all acts that run contrary to established and  internationally accepted airport  security procedures,” wrote MIAA. 

In a statement, the Office for Transportation Security or OTS reminded the public that it is illegal to film or record people at security screening points. It also said it will investigate whether the security staff was unprofessional in her handling of the K-Pop superstars. 

“It has come to the attention of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) that there is a 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. 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. “Rest assured that the OTS shall never tolerate any unprofessional behavior towards the riding public.”