The Australian government continues to help the Philippines boost aviation security, especially in terms of capacity building, an official of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) said Monday.

“Since there are direct flights (between the Philippines and Australia), there is a need for stronger cooperation and collaboration, sharing of information and best practices to prevent any acts of unlawful interference/terrorism,” OTS spokesperson Kim Marquez told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.

She said the Australian Department of Home of Affairs has been providing Philippine airport authorities with trainings and workshops to enhance the knowledge and skills of aviation security personnel.

This capacity building initiative is continuous, she noted.

Marquez added that Australian authorities also join the OTS in the security assessment of various airports as a way of exchanging best practices.

Meanwhile, Marquez said the Australian government previously provided the OTS with five laptops equipped with X-ray tutor software that helps detect prohibited items.

Just recently, the Australian government gave the OTS an additional 10 laptops.

In a Facebook post, the OTS said their collaboration on aviation security “has played a crucial role in creating and enforcing measures to protect air travel.”

“The assistance from the government of Australia has long provided an avenue for Philippine airport authorities to enhance their capability in taking steps ahead of its adversaries,” OTS administrator Arthur Bisnar was quoted in the post. (PNA)