𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦
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, at 2:00 PM. 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.
“Ang utos ng Pangulo dapat mabilis at tuluy-tuloy tayong makatugon sa pangangailangan ng mga kababayan nating apektado ng lindol. Kailangan maagap tayo sa pag-responde para agarang makatulong sa mga kababayan natin,” Secretary Lopez said.
The transport chief has likewise ordered 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.
“Bukod sa dapat matiyak natin na hindi nagtamo ng matinding damage ang airport, ang primordial concern natin din dito ay safety ng ating mga pasahero at mga tauhan. Dapat matiyak din natin na OK ang ating mga kasamahan sa trabaho at ang kanilang pamilya kasi marami talaga ang apektado,” Secretary Lopez pointed out.
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. Here’s the list:
𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
𝘊𝘦𝘣𝘶 𝘗𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤 (11 𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴)
5J4843 – Iloilo to General Santos
5J4844 – General Santos to Iloilo
5J998 – General Santos to Manila
5J993 – Manila to General Santos
5J994 – General Santos to Manila
5J995 – Manila to General Santos
5J996 – General Santos to Manila
5J249 – Cebu to General Santos
5J250 – General Santos to Cebu
5J991 – Manila to General Santos
5J992 – General Santos to Manila
𝘗𝘈𝘓 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 (4 𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴)
2P2357 – CEB-GES
2P2358 – GES-CEB
2P2455 – MNL-GES
2P2456 – GES-MNL
𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘈𝘪𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 (2 𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴)
PR453 – MNL-GES
PR454 – GES-MNL
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 the following Coast Guard Districts:
– Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao;
– Coast Guard District Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao;
– Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao; and
– Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao
The “no sail policy” in the above-mentioned areas will be in effect until the lifting of the tsunami warning.
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