Security Guards at Manila Airports Spark Outrage Among OFWs

Security Guards at Manila Airports Spark Outrage Among OFWs

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | January 30, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – Frustration is mounting among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) over the alleged rude and intimidating behavior of security guards stationed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals.

Complaints are increasing due to the guards’ discourteous conduct, prompting calls for the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Authority, the airport operator, to implement comprehensive training programs and strict disciplinary measures.

Accounts from OFWs depict security personnel showing a lack of respect toward passengers, particularly those arriving or departing for overseas employment.

These allegations raise serious questions about the training and oversight of security personnel tasked with ensuring the safety and security of the airport.

“They don’t have to be combatants,” one OFW, speaking on condition of anonymity, told TheNationWeek.com.

“Why are they so aggressive and rude? Is that what they’re trained for – to scare and intimidate passengers?”

This sentiment is echoed by a group of OFWs who have experienced or witnessed instances of ill-mannered behavior by security guards at NAIA Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

They allege that some guards exhibit intimidating and aggressive behavior.

OFWs urge NNIC Chairman Ramon Ang to address the issue.

They ask Ang to prioritize the implementation of comprehensive training programs focused on customer service, de-escalation techniques, and respectful communication.

“Does Chairman Ramon S. Ang know how rude the security guards at the NAIA terminals are?” questioned one OFW.

“They need to train them to be polite and courteous to all passengers and airport users. They must be disciplined. We understand their job is to secure the premises, but they must be courteous and respectful to passengers because they are the ones paying for their salaries.”

The group further claims that the alleged behavior undermines the sense of security and respect that passengers, especially returning OFWs, should experience at the airport.

Some call for the termination of guards who consistently show inappropriate behavior.

“These guards are like ‘hired gangsters’ intimidating passengers instead of securing them,” one OFW said.

These allegations raise serious concerns about the selection, training, and supervision of security personnel at NAIA.

The NNIC has yet to respond to allegations about the airport guards and the measures being taken to address OFWs’ concerns.