Philippines accedes to 2014 Montreal Protocol on aviation security

The Philippines has formally acceded to the 2014 Montreal Protocol, an international agreement designed to strengthen aviation safety and security. The country deposited its Instrument of Accession with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal on October 16, 2026.

The protocol, formally known as the Protocol to Amend the Convention on Offences and Certain Other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft, updates the 1963 Tokyo Convention. It addresses jurisdictional gaps regarding offenses and disruptive behavior committed during international flights. Under the new agreement, jurisdiction over certain offenses may be exercised by the State of Landing and the State of the Operator, in addition to the State of Registration.

This expansion aims to prevent individuals from escaping prosecution for incidents such as assaulting crew members or refusing safety instructions when the aircraft's state of registration has no direct interest in the case. Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga stated that the accession reinforces the nation’s commitment to international cooperation in addressing unlawful conduct aboard aircraft to protect passengers and crew.