TSA, Philippines partnership flourishes as Team Indiana travels to the western Pacific

Monday, January 13, 2025
TSA IND team observes checked baggage explosives detection system in Manila. (Michael Castaldi)

TSA took its partnership with the Philippines to the next level with a trip to the western Pacific.

A delegation of six TSA Indiana team members made the 8,300-mile journey from Indianapolis to Manila, a contingent that included Indiana Federal Security Director Aaron Batt and five representatives from Indianapolis International Airport (IND) – three TSA managers and two supervisory TSA officers (STSOs).

They got a close-up look at transportation security operations at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) as part of the Airport Partnership Program, which is designed to foster collaboration and shared best practices to address threats to the world’s aviation system.

“This visit was a great opportunity for our TSA Indiana team to continue building the relationships each team member created in 2023 with many of the same Philippine delegation officials who previously visited Indianapolis,” said Batt.

Transportation Security Administration Representative (TSAR) John Beckius and Aviation Security Advisor Steve Sciulli, both stationed in Manila, joined the Hoosier delegation to share experiences with the Philippines Office for Transportation Security (OTS) as the OTS determines future aviation security strategic plans.

Observing X-ray screening at an MNL checkpoint. (Michael Castaldi)
Observing X-ray screening at an MNL checkpoint. (Michael Castaldi)

“The Airport Partnership Program is the foundation for TSA-Manila to enhance security measures, reduce security vulnerabilities and improve compliance with TSA and International Civil Aviation Organization security standards,” Beckius noted. “Shared training and capacity building allows both of our countries to address emerging threats and safeguard our citizens and strategic interests.”

Along with providing valuable aviation security insight to TSA’s Philippine counterparts, Beckius said bringing the Indy team to Manila also provided the delegation with a window into our agency’s international interactions.

Indiana TSA Federal Security Director Aaron Batt (right) with Philippines Office for Transportation Security Undersecretary Crizaldo Nieves.
Indiana TSA Federal Security Director Aaron Batt (right) with Philippines Office for Transportation Security Undersecretary Crizaldo Nieves.

“I was honored by the opportunity to participate at this capacity with our sister airport in Manila and see how they conduct their operations compared to ours,” said IND STSO Henry Nguyen, who, like the other members of the Hoosier delegation, observed MNL’s organization structure, day-to-day operation and the culture of the screening workforce. “What I learned will improve my thought process, my organization skills and leadership ability. 

“One of the biggest challenges was learning about the bureaucracy of all the organizations that run MNL between the airport’s new Infrastructure Corporation, OTS and Manila International Airport Authority. They are making major changes with privatization at MNL, which has created the need for increased communication but is also seen as an opportunity for more investment into new checkpoint and baggage equipment.” 

Nguyen was impressed with the great partnership between TSA and the Philippines and everyone’s willingness to “open up on what their concerns and goals are for the future.”

“The visit was invaluable for my personal development,” he emphasized. “The trip broadened my horizon within my agency, and I got the opportunity to work and learn from our TSAR and analysts stationed in the Philippines. I also learned a lot of leadership skills from the MNL team, the way they communicate with each other and adapt when facing a lack of resources.”

Having the opportunity to be part of this important international partnership was something IND STSO Olivia Wells never dreamed of when she started her TSA career. She was able to share her experience and knowledge with MNL’s screeners and help improve the security culture and mentality there. 

“Being in Manila and working with groups who have goals similar to TSA allows people involved to understand that supporting transportation security is a global effort,” said Wells. “Talking with supervisors in the Philippines, I was able to discuss difficulties they may have been having and how to address those issues. The partnership allows the IND family to extend across the world.”

IND Transportation Security Manager (TSM) Josh Newkirk believes the Filipinos have a great interest in learning but need assistance with quickly implementing what they have learned and further enhancing their aviation security.

“That’s where I think TSA and specifically the Airport Partnership Program come in,” Newkirk said. “We can share our experiences and assist in providing the implementation tools and critical thinking that can move such security enhancements forward. The Filipino people show immense appreciation for all help TSA can give them. They are sponges for knowledge and have great eagerness and energy.”

TSA IND team observes checked baggage explosives detection system in Manila. (Michael Castaldi)
TSA IND team observes checked baggage explosives detection system in Manila. (Michael Castaldi)

So, what was the biggest takeaway from the Philippines trip?

“I need to have more appreciation for what we have at IND and more specifically the people I am fortunate to call my team,” Newkirk replied. “All of our backgrounds, strengths and even weaknesses create such a uniquely diverse workforce that is so impressive.”

While it was the first time for most of the Hoosier delegation to travel to the Philippines, it was TSM Michael Castaldi’s third visit to Manila to assist the MNL team.

“Each experience has been rewarding and given me a much greater understanding of how broad the TSA mission is,” said Castaldi. 

Like his teammates, Castaldi noticed equipment, lane setups and checkpoint configurations similar to airports in the U.S., although the processes and procedures are a bit different.

TSA IND reviews checkpoint operations with Philippines aviation security officials.
TSA IND reviews checkpoint operations with Philippines aviation security officials.

As far as TSA’s partnership with the Philippines…

“The best word to describe our partnership program is dynamic,” Castaldi proclaimed. “A natural tendency might be to go into something like this believing the Manila group would get most of the benefit. With the different people I have worked with, I have gotten as much, if not more, information from our discussions than I provided. Having an open mind and understanding that we don’t have a monopoly on proper security procedures allows for some fruitful discussions.”

TSM Steven Davis found it interesting that despite “this place on the other side of the world, which in many ways is very different from our own, we share similar security goals and even face similar challenges.”

“Some of the areas where improvements can be made are in policy, procedures and practices in specific areas and situations,” said Davis. “Cultural norms, funding and conservative thinking are obstacles in reaching the desired level of screening effectiveness.”

Davis said the Filipinos were very welcoming, pleasant and open to engaging in high-level conversations to help them improve their operations. 

“Our primary objective was to assist in developing a 2025-26 strategic plan for Manila,” stressed Davis. “We reviewed 25 concept notes submitted to the TSA Manila team by OTS and graded them on five weighted criteria. This helped determine which initiatives may bring the right balance of value vs. cost, are realistically attainable and align with TSA and OTS objectives. They include cybersecurity, inspections, training and policy review.”

Batt said TSA is clearly stronger “when we leverage all of our resources and recognize the benefits” to the Philippines and U.S.

“The experience and knowledge this provided to some of our supervisors, managers and scheduling operations officer will allow them to grow in their careers and expand their aviation security expertise,” said Batt, who expressed gratitude to Beckius and Sciulli for coordinating the influential international business trip.

It’s a win-win for everyone.

“Investing in people fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous learning,” Sciulli added. “This ensures all employees are well-prepared for international engagements, equipped with the skills and understanding to succeed in a global environment.”

By Don Wagner, TSA Strategic Communications & Public Affairs