First of all, allow me to convey to you the greetings of Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on your 13th Year Founding Anniversary.

Allow me, also at this point, to congratulate the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group, its officers, men and women, as you celebrate your anniversary in the service of the people – standing proud as champion of peace in the aviation industry.

I would also take this opportunity to congratulate all the awardees for their exemplary service, dedication to duty, and contribution to better the service of the PNP-ASG.

I also take this occasion to commend the officers, men and women of the PNP-ASG for the swift and decisive action during the incident which is considered as an act of unlawful interference at the NAIA Terminal 2 Control Tower.

I also commend the PNP-ASG, with the able leadership of Police Chief Supt. Andres G. Caro II, for your excellent effort that contributed to the positive security assessment of the NAIA recently conducted by the US Transportation Security Administration and for the favorable result of the First AVSEC Audit of the International Civil Aviation Organization or ICAO.

More importantly, you have shown to the world that even United States President George W. Bush is safe and secured in our airports and country during his state visit.

Ladies and gentlemen, we celebrate this momentous occasion not only by remembering your past achievements and accomplishments of providing commendable service to the country. More, importantly, we must view it as an opportunity to call to mind our judicious sense of duty and responsibility confronting us in securing our country’s civil aviation industry.

Indeed, the PNP-ASG, has effectively made a great stride in the pursuit of its mandated task to protect the country’s civil aviation from unlawful acts and terrorism.

Your theme, "PNP-ASG, Kabalikat sa Kapayapaan at Kaligtasan ng Paliparan sa Kaunlaran ng Bayan,’’ aptly manifests your crucial role in providing a safe and secured 86 international, alternate, trunkline, secondary, and feeder airports all over the country, in accordance with the international standards and recommended practices.

It shows your resolve and focused effort to enhance the state of awareness and alertness to possible act of terrorism and lawlessness against the country’s civil aviation.

The civil aviation industry is facing its greatest challenge ever. The 9/11 tragedy and our own experiences of bombings and act of unlawful interference have opened our eyes to the vulnerability of even the most sophisticated air transport facility. It has made us more aware and conscious of the fact that we cannot put safety and security on hold.

The complexion of aviation security as we know it has been altered and rewritten by major developments and the 9/11 tragedy. We should craft modern, responsive and viable security measures in consonance to international standards and practices.

Let us, therefore, create a culture of integrity, commitment, dedication, and accountability – the only way to ensure safety and security in our civil aviation.

Let us continue our vigilance and maintain discipline among the ranks, and ensure the upkeep of our physical assets.

Let us sustain and maintain our gains, and continue to take positive action to enhance aviation security measures in order to address effectively the threat of terrorism and act of unlawful interference.

We cannot overemphasize the important role of the officers, men and women of the Philippine National PoliceAviation Security Group in nation building. Your role is crucial in the overall agenda of development.

The Department of Transportation and Communications and the Office for Transportation Security will always be supportive of your noteworthy undertakings and will continue to be an active partner in securing our civil aviation.

As we embark on a new beginning, let us all be reminded of our solemn duty to God and to our country.

Thank you. Happy 13th Anniversary!

Mabuhay ang PNP-ASG!