CITY PORT SECURITY ISSUE
X-ray machine to finally operate
November 12, 2006 The Bohol Standard
Apprehensions of tragic incidents resulting from terrorists’ attacks would lessened by now as the Philippine Ports Authority disclosed the other day that the x-ray machine that had arrived a month ago will finally be in operation.
Port Management Office (PMO) manager Raul Oblenda said construction of the compartment that will house the x-ray machine will start this week.
“All issues concerning its operation have been ironed out and the Starlite management, who operates the city port passenger terminal, had agreed to the installation of the machine inside the terminal,†Oblenda said.
Under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) agreement with PPA, Starlite, a private company, operates the passenger terminal for a period of fifteen (15) years starting from 1997 to 2014.
But under the same contract, it was not provided that Starlite should install an x-ray machine in the said passenger terminal.
When former PPA general manager Alfredo Cusi issued an order that all ports in the country should have an x-ray machine after the New York World Trade Center attack and the threat of bombings hounding the country, Starlite questioned the issue on who should buy such machine.
“We tried to bargain with PPA that if we buy and install an x-ray machine that would entail a new investment of about P7-million, we be granted an extension of the lease agreement to about 8 years more. But this was denied,†Starlite-Tagbilaran manager Nennet Nicasio said.
Starlite filed a motion for reconsideration on the denial. When the x-ray machine, provided and purchased by PPA corporate funds arrived, Starlite could not immediately allow the installation of the machine pending resolution of their motion filed at the PPA Manila office.
“I have now received a confirmation through the e-mail from Starlite general manager Karl Wozniak that the company will purchase its own x-ray machine for the Tagbilaran port passenger terminal. That will be next month,†Nicasio said.
Starlite head guard Christopher Tulop said, so far, the city port is safe as the company-hired security guards impose strict inspection of luggage and the prohibition of bringing firearms on the boat.
Port police, the PNP Maritime and Coast Guard units, sniffing dogs of shipping companies also help in the insurance of security in the port, guard Tulop said.
Meanwhile, the PPA owned x-ray machine will be installed temporarily as the peak of the Yuletide season approaches. PPA will provide the personnel while waiting for Starlite to have their own machine and trained personnel.
Oblenda said, a minimal charge will be collected to recover the investment for the machine. Determining how much is the amount will be submitted for discussion with the port management advisory council.
Upon arrival of the Starlite-owned x-ray machine, the one purchased by PPA will be pulled-out and eyed for transfer to the busy port of Tubigon.
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