Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez has ordered the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to lift the suspension of airport operations to allow military aircraft, government and humanitarian flights at the General Santos Airport today, June 8. This is to ensure unimpeded relief transport and rapid humanitarian response operations after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani Province.
The directive follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to government agencies to immediately respond and help those affected by the calamity.
Secretary Lopez said the General Santos Airport must be kept open for disaster response and relief efforts, for employees who will assist in the relief operations and others who may want to bring relief goods.
The transport chief has likewise ordered Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to ensure the integrity of the airport’s structures to guarantee the safety of the passengers and airport personnel.
Secretary Lopez also reiterated that all airport and CAAP personnel must be accounted for, adding that the DOTr will extend assistance to airport employees affected by the earthquake.
Earlier, CAAP has issued the temporary suspension of operations at General Santos Airport as the aviation authority continues its assessment of the air navigation facilities, equipment, and operational capabilities to ensure the safety and integrity of the structures at the airport.
CAAP has ordered the airlines to inform their passengers regarding the cancellation of 17 flights at General Santos Airport.
Secretary Lopez likewise gave instructions to prepare for possible deployment of government assets for “Libreng Sakay” in affected areas, in case there are stranded commuters.
The transport chief also ordered LTFRB Davao and LTFRB General Santos to issue special permits to buses for stranded passengers going to and from Davao and GenSan airports, in coordination with the airlines.
The DOTr maritime sector has also heightened its safety and response measures following the tsunami warning issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) early today.
Secretary Lopez instructed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to immediately mobilize its assets and personnel to assist communities affected by the tsunami warning and support the evacuation of residents in vulnerable coastal areas.
In response, the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) readily provided emergency assistance to students affected by the earthquake at Sta. Cruz National High School in Davao del Sur. Several students who sustained minor injuries were immediately brought to the hospital and were given the necessary medical assistance.
A “no sail policy” has also been declared in some Coast Guard Districts until the lifting of the tsunami warning.
