While an investigation into the fatal vehicular crash at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 is underway, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has also ordered a separate probe into the design and construction of the bollards installed at the terminal’s entrance.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President has ordered a review of the procurement process and technical specifications of the bollards installed in the walkway of NAIA Terminal 1.

“Pinaiimbestigahan na po kung papaano po ang naging procurement pati ‘yung specification ng mga bollards. Iyon po ay sa pag-uutos po ng Pangulo,” Castro said during a press briefing on Tuesday.

Initial reports indicated that the bollards failed to prevent a vehicle from crashing through the walkway, killing two persons, including a 5-year-old girl, and injuring four others.

Bollards are sturdy vertical posts primarily used to manage and control traffic, enhance security, and protect people and property.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon raised concerns about the bollards’ failure to stop a sports utility vehicle (SUV) that crashed into NAIA’s departure area walkway.

Dizon said the bollards were installed to prevent wayward vehicles from crashing through.

Castro pointed out that the bollards in question were installed in 2019 under the administration of then-Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.

Castro said that in compliance with the President’s directive, Dizon has begun an immediate assessment of the incident and is committed to addressing the issue with utmost urgency.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) would also inspect all the remaining bollards at NAIA and replace them if necessary to ensure public safety.

President Marcos earlier vowed to implement reforms in the country’s transport system and hold all those responsible for the deadly NAIA accident accountable. | PND