Batasan complex a no-fly zone for Marcos’ first SONA — CAAP

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Friday said it will be enforcing limited and no-fly zones at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City and its immediate vicinity from July 23 to 25.

The move is meant to “ensure security and safety during the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. on July 25 (Monday),” CAAP said in a statement.

The agency said it has already issued NOTAM or “Notice to Airmen B2088/22” as an advisory for the said event.

CAAP said from July 23, 2022 at 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. to July 25, 2022 at 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., “all unauthorized aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) within five nautical miles radius from the surface of Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City will be temporarily restricted.”

“Training flights of flying schools within Luzon are also suspended from July 23, 2022 at 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. to July 25, 2022 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.,” it said.

The NOTAM also expects a delay in arrivals and departures at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) due to the restrictions of the event, CAAP said.

The Batasan Pambansa Complex, home of the House of Representatives, has been placed on lockdown as part of security measures for Marcos’ first SONA.

Around 1,200 people will be allowed inside the Congress, including over 300 congressmen, 24 senators, and members of diplomatic corps. However, only a limited number of guests and members of the press will be allowed in the gallery.

Over 21,000 security forces will be deployed to secure the event, the (PNP) Philippine National Police earlier said.

The deployment is composed of 16,964 from the National Capital Region Police Office, 1,905 from PNP support units, and 2,974 from coordinating agencies and other peacekeeping partners. — RSJ, GMA News