Passenger Shoe Screening Rules in Philippine Airports

The circular is issued to clarify Section 8.5.1.3 of the National Civil Aviation Security Program (NCASP).
The clarification implements NCASP provisions on passenger and baggage security under the NCASP series 2004, 2007 and 2009, specifically Sec. 8 and Sec. 14.
The circular is anchored on Annex 17 to the ICAO Convention.
Compliance is tied to the requirement that all Airport Security Programs (ASPs) submitted by airport authorities guide passenger screening procedures.
The circular’s shoe-screening rules relate to Security Condition One (SECCO 1), Security Condition Two (SECCO 2), and Security Condition Three (SECCO 3).

The circular clarifies how shoe removal and shoe placement on screening equipment must be applied under NCASP Sec. 8.5.1.3.
The circular establishes a risk-based framework for whether shoe removal is required at the Final Security Screening Check Point (FSSCP).
The circular sets how airport authorities must align their earlier Airport Security Programs (ASPs) with the clarified policy.
The circular ensures that passenger and cabin baggage security measures adjust to prevailing threat conditions.
The circular provides specific implementation conditions tied to WTMD alarms, random manual searches, and equipment availability.

The circular uses Final Security Screening Check Point (FSSCP) as the point where departing passengers enter the final security screening process.
The circular uses Walk Thru Metal Detector (WTMD) as the checkpoint device that signals alarms for potential threats.
The circular uses Final Security Screening Check Point (FSSCP) and Final security screening checkpoints (SSCPs) as the location where shoe removal procedures are applied under the clarified rules.
The circular uses Security Screening Checkpoint as the place where random manual searches and enhanced measures apply under SECCO 1.
The circular uses detailed screening officer as the officer who conducts manual searches under SECCO 1.
The circular uses departure gate as a location where airlines may apply redundancy screening under SECCO 2, and where re-screening must occur under SECCO 3.

The circular applies to all departing international and domestic passengers.
The circular applies to passengers transiting through Philippine Airports.
The shoe screening framework covers airport users at the screening checkpoint under SECCO 1.
Under SECCO 2 and SECCO 3, screening applies to all departing passengers, their cabin baggage, and items carried at the security screening checkpoints.

All departing passengers entering the FSSCP must undergo mandatory manual search of their persons under the baseline NCASP Sec. 8.5.1.3 framework.
Under NCASP Sec. 8.5.1.3, manual search of persons shall be conducted on carry-on baggage if the x-ray operator detects a suspect item.
Under the clarified shoe screening policy, shoe removal determination is entrusted to the sound and responsible judgment of the concerned Airport Authority.
The decision to adopt a non-removal-of-shoes policy must be strictly subject to the Airport Authority’s risk assessment responsibility, based on obtaining airport threats covering its area and ensuring countermeasures against aviation target vulnerability.
Where a passenger passes the WTMD with no alarm triggered, the mandated removal of shoes/placement on the x-ray belt may be dispensed with.
The Airport Authority’s adoption of a non-removal policy is conditioned upon the prevailing threat condition at the concerned airport.

Under Security Condition One (SECCO 1), a manual search of all airport users shall be applied randomly to at least one (1) of every twenty (20) airport users passing through the Security Screening Checkpoint.
Under SECCO 1, manual searches shall be done by the detailed screening officer of the same gender.
Under SECCO 1, shoes shall be removed for X-ray screening when the WTMD alarm is triggered by an airport user upon entry.
Under SECCO 1, shoes shall be removed for X-ray screening when the airport user is randomly selected within the range of at least one (1) of every twenty (20) airport users for shoe screening.
Under SECCO 1, shoes shall be removed for X-ray screening when threat levels are elevated and corresponding security measures commensurate to the threat must be implemented.
Under SECCO 1, when WTMD equipment is not in operating order or not available, manual searches shall be conducted.

Under Security Condition Two (SECCO 2), all departing passengers, their cabin baggage, and items carried shall continue to be screened at the passenger screening checkpoints.
Under SECCO 2, mandatory removal of shoes for security screening on all airport users shall be imposed at the security screening checkpoint.
Under SECCO 2, redundancy screening may be conducted at each departure gate as the airline operator may deem necessary.

Under Security Condition Three (SECCO 3), all departing passengers, their cabin baggage, and items carried shall continue to be screened at the security screening checkpoints.
Under SECCO 3, mandatory removal of shoes for security screening on all airport users shall be imposed at the security screening checkpoint.
Under SECCO 3, all passengers, their cabin baggage, and items carried shall also be screened or searched again at each departure gate by the airline operator.

Airport authorities must implement the non-removal-of-shoes policy in line with Sec. 8.5.1.3 (NCASP).
To implement the non-removal-of-shoes policy, the Airport Authority must revise its earlier submitted Airport Security Program (ASP).
The revised ASP must be submitted to this Office for information, reference, and guidance.

All Orders, Memoranda, Circulars, and previous related issuances inconsistent with this circular are deemed repealed/revoked accordingly.