OTS highlights accomplishments in Cruz’s first 100 days

THE Office for Transportation Security (OTS) highlighted the agency’s major reforms and accomplishments during the first 100 days of ifs new administrator, Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz Jr.

After his successful stint as Executive Director of the Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) under the Office of the President (OP) in 2023, Cruz has been reassigned as OTS administrator last October 22, the same day he was appointed to the PAOCC two years previously.

Cruz was replaced at the PAOCC by former Philippine National Police (PNP) director general, PGEN. Benjamin Acorda.

The OTS noted that under Cruz’s “solutions-oriented leadership focused on effective and humane security in addressing public concerns,” the agency recorded a 16.54 percent drop in intercepted prohibited items at the country’s airports nationwide last year as compared to recorded incidents in 2024.

“This improvement was attributed to the sustained massive ‘Kontra Tanim Bala Information Drive,’ which educated travelers and countered misinformation surrounding the issue.

“This prevented potential threats (while) boosting public confidence in transportation security,” the OTS said. The OTS is an agency under the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

To strengthen oversight and compliance to enforcement standards and identify gaps for further improvement, Cruz also conducted 199 audits and 196 inspections across the civil aviation, maritime, land, and rail transport sectors.

Cruz also personally led in the inspection of the country’s bus terminals, ports and airports to ensure safe travels during the holiday season under the DOTr’s ‘Oplan Byaheng Ayos: Undas 2025 and Pasko 2025.’

At the Manila Manila North Harbor, Batangas Port, and Calapan Port, Cruz also distributed ‘Go Bags’ containing essential travel items, information kits, hygiene supplies, and first-aid materials, reinforcing OTS’s commitment to safe, secure, and seamless travel for all.

Boosting employees’ morale

Cruz also improved the morale and integrity of OTS frontliners who returned money and other valuables left behind by passengers.

These include unattended cash amounting to ₱1,055,250, as well as 430 valuable items such as electronic devices, gadgets, jewelry, accessories, and other personal belongings.

The incentive to work better was highlighted by Cruz’s initiative to promote 2,000 OTS Security Screening Officers (SSO) from ‘JOs’ (Job Orders) to contractual status.

On his first month in office, Cruz also rolled out the certification of 3,882 OTS personnel.