Question & AnswerQ&A (MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 003, S. 2018)
The main purpose is to define and clarify the conduct of background checks and describe the roles and responsibilities of OTS, airport, aircraft operators, and agency stakeholders to prevent unauthorized access to airport security restricted areas.
The policies cover all authorities issuing access permits, airport operators, aircraft operators, agents, and persons seeking access to security restricted areas of airports serving civil aviation.
An Agent is any person, company, or organization engaged directly or indirectly, whether by contractual agreement or otherwise, to carry out duties on behalf of an airport and aircraft operator.
It is a check of a person's identity and previous experience, including where legally permissible, national and local records of criminal history, as part of assessing the individual's suitability for implementing security controls or for unescorted access to security restricted areas.
All persons must undergo a complete background check prior to their deployment.
OTS establishes and manages a database of background checks, requires submission of background check results, reviews them, issues Transport Security Alert Advisories, and exercises oversight over records related to background checks.
Airport Operators must develop and implement an Airport Security Program (ASP), a pass control management system with mandatory background checks, maintain a background check database for five years, conduct partial background checks every six months, and submit results to OTS.
Authorities must verify identity, trustworthiness through criminal history checks, and previous employment or residence history; written consent for background checks must be obtained; no access permits should be issued if the applicant has been convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude.
It refers to priority risk areas on the airside of an airport where access control and other security measures apply, including passenger departure areas after screening, ramps, baggage make-up areas, cargo sheds, mail centers, airside catering, and aircraft cleaning premises.
Yes, employers, including aircraft operators and their contracted agents, are responsible for conducting complete pre-employment background checks and issuing an oath of undertaking to ensure compliance.