MIAA to take over Zambo airport operations

Starting June this year, changes will take place at the Zamboanga International Airport (ZIA) as it goes under the control of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA). Sun-star Zamboanga (www.sunstar.com.ph) reported Sunday that the changes will be in line with Executive Order 341, placing ZIA operation and control under MIAA. Celso Bayabos, manager of the local Air Transportation Office (ATO), said changes in the operation and control of the ZIA will start in June this year. Bayabos added that his function, assuming he will be retained, will be focused on the technical operation of the local airport. He said the changes will likely include an increase in the collection of fees like terminal fees, rental of spaces for office or snack counters, and the landing, takeoff and parking fees of planes. He said with the forthcoming changes, there would be improvement in the facilities and services of the airport but admitted no one among the personnel, including him, knows who would be affected once EO 341 is implemented. ZIA caters to travelers, including businessmen, who are going to and from the other key cities like Cebu and Manila and coming to and from the other parts of the region. Earlier, Bayabos said the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)-Department of Transportation and Communications has taken over the operation and control of three airports in Mindanao. These are the airports in Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Cotabato. Meanwhile, Zamboanga City police director Sr. Supt. Manuel Barcena said he will ask local government officials to give more supplies to the local police force. Barcena said he has noted that some of the police stations under his command lack communication and other necessary equipment. Barcena’s command covers 11 police stations, including one located in an island-barangay in Zamboanga City. He said the communication equipment will be the priority on his request since it is important for direction and coordination especially in times of emergencies. He added some police stations do not have adequate office equipment. On the other hand, Barcena reiterated to all his officers and personnel to comply with the basic rules and regulations while rendering duty in their respective places. “They should be always presentable to the public so that the people will trust the PNP. This is one of the basic regulations which many of us seem to forget," he said.-GMANews.TV