ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Japanese government is donating equipment to the Air Transportation Office (ATO) to enhance the security at the airport in this city as part of its assistance in the fight against terror.

A top police official disclosed Thursday that the donation of the equipment will be done through the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Philippine Center for Aviation Security (PCAS) chief Ibar Padao said that three JICA officials arrived here on Monday and inspected the airport premises and its facilities.

JICA project administrative officer Kubota Rieko has told Padao that a study is underway to determine the type of equipment they will donate for the enhancement of the security measures at the airport.

The study is set to be completed in a monthユs time, according to Padao.

The visiting JICA officials were reportedly informed by Philippine authorities that the airport in this city has been assessed as a high-risk terrorist target.

Rieko noted that the residential structures built around the airport premises may be violating aviation security regulations.

Padao said JICA initially plans to donate two x-ray inspection machines for the pre-departure and departure areas of the airport. DMS