Manila: At least seven taxi drivers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) were apprehended for various offenses, as announced by Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Eric Ines. This development is part of an intensified effort to address issues with erring taxi drivers at the airport.

According to Philippines News Agency, a composite team was formed on Sunday to tackle the problem and has been operational 24/7. The team comprises the MIAA, its Airport Police Department (APD), the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Aviation Security Group.

Ines stated, "We do the inspections unannounced. Maybe they (drivers) thought we were not serious, but we mean business." He also mentioned plans to increase the number of APD personnel from the current 45 to better patrol the vicinity. The list of APD personnel to be deputized by the LTO is still being finalized.

The offenses committed by the apprehended drivers included expired or no driver's license, expired franchise, tampered taxi rate meters, and illegal soliciting and contracting of passengers. Ines noted that some drivers allegedly solicit passengers outside the airport terminal, particularly in areas such as across Terminal 3 near Savoy Hotel, which are also being patrolled.