BOC: State-of-the-art airport scanners tighten watch vs. contraband

By Ferdinand Patinio

May 24, 2024, 4:49 pm

<p><strong>NO ILLEGAL ITEMS.</strong> The newly-installed 920CT (computed tomography) scanner installed at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in this May 17, 2024 photo. The Bureau of Customs on Friday (May 24) said Tek84 Intercept body scanners and Rapiscan 920CT scanners have been installed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals 1 and 3 and at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). <em>(Photo courtesy of MCIA)</em></p>

NO ILLEGAL ITEMS. The newly-installed 920CT (computed tomography) scanner installed at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in this May 17, 2024 photo. The Bureau of Customs on Friday (May 24) said Tek84 Intercept body scanners and Rapiscan 920CT scanners have been installed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals 1 and 3 and at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). (Photo courtesy of MCIA)

MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Friday announced the installation of state-of-the-art scanning machines at key international airports to further enhance airport security.

In a statement, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said these include the Rapiscan 920CT (Computed Tomography) and the Tek84 Intercept body scanner.

The Tek84 Intercept body scanners and Rapiscan 920CT scanners have been installed at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), while the installation of Rapiscan 920CT scanners is currently underway at the Clark International Airport (CRK) Terminal 2 and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1 and 3.

On May 17, Rubio personally conducted an inspection of the newly installed Rapiscan 920CT at the MCIA.

The Rapiscan 920CT X-ray machine employs cutting-edge technology to identify explosives and other hazardous materials.

It has also the ability to scan baggage containing large electronics and liquids without requiring their removal, thereby expediting the screening process and increasing safety.

Rubio said the integration of the Rapiscan Systems' Tray Return System further enhances airport security and operational efficiency by accelerating passenger checks and minimizing delays.

On the other hand, the Tek84 Intercept body scanner offers comprehensive detection capabilities, identifying metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons, drugs, and hidden contraband.

The scanner can process up to 180 individuals per hour while ensuring safe social distancing, and includes a thermal camera to detect potential health issues. It boasts a compact design requiring less than 6'x3' of floor space, making it space-efficient and highly effective.

"We are continuously updating and enhancing our machines to meet international standards and fortify our border protection measures,” he added.

Rubio said they plan to deploy more X-ray and scanning machines in other international airports in the future to improve airport security, secure the nation's borders and prevent the entry of illegal items into the country. (PNA)

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