THE CLARK International Airport Corp. (CIAC) has terminated its contract with service provider Miascor in the wake of the recent luggage theft incident at the Clark airport even as it ensures the public that there will be no disruption in its airport operations.
“We have given Miascor up to 60 days to wind down its operation during the transition period so as not to disrupt flights and operations,” Alexander Cauguiran, CIAC president and CEO, said.
The notice of termination of Miascor’s services cut short the groundhandling contract with CIAC originally set to end on September 7, 2024.
Miascor provided ground handling and ramp services at the Clark airport to five international and domestic carriers.
As of January 9, Clark airport services 166 international and 212 domestic flights weekly or 54 flights per day.
“We’ll follow the command of President Rodrigo Duterte and (Transportation) Secretary Art Tugade not to allow a repeat of this incident,” Cauguiran said, adding that stringent anti-pilferage measures in coordination with airlines and other groundhandling companies in Clark are now set in place.
The pilferage incident reached the attention of President Duterte who earlier met with Jovinal dela Cruz and Rosemary Verzosa, OFWs from Pandi, Bulacan, who complained on January 10 that their baggage and boxes were pilfered at the airport.
Six suspects, all Miascor personnel who were later terminated, were charged with qualified theft but are out on bail.