LEGAZPI CITY -- The Albay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has passed a resolution urging the Provincial Government of Albay and the City Government of Legazpi to follow-up the long overdue replacement of the nonfunctional x-ray machine and metal detector at the Legazpi City Airport.

        ACCI Director Marcial E. Tuanqui Jr., author of the resolution, said that the baggage x-ray machine and walk-in metal detector at the Legazpi City Airport have been out of service for almost four years now.

        “Functioning baggage x-ray machine and metal detector are very important not only for security reasons but also for the convenience of airline passengers who at present have to put up with the inconvenience and delay brought about by manual inspection of their baggage,” Tuanqui said.

        He added that security measures such as the sidelined machines and the enhancement of passenger convenience have to be strictly observed in line with the ongoing efforts to groom Albay and Legazpi City as tourist destinations and jump-off points and the expected increased volume of air passengers in the near future.

        Furthermore, paying air passengers deserve secure and convenient passage through Legazpi City Airport and the latter is obliged to provide the same considering that passengers pay for the airport terminal fee and the aviation security fee.

        According to the author, the ACCI had already passed two resolutions (in 2004 and 2005) and the Regional Development Council (RDC) had also passed a similar resolution (in 2005) but the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) has not yet acted on the urgent request.

        The ACCI Resolution No. 7-2007 was signed by Henry Buban, ACCI president.

        Copies of the resolution were furnished the ff: PNP Aviation Security Command, ATO, DOTC Planning and Project Development Office, RDC 5, DOT 5, PAL, Cebu-Pacific, Mayors of Cities in Albay, DTI 5, DTI-Albay, PMS and NEDA 5.