CAAP: GenSan Airport open for 'limited operations' for gov't, military, aid flights

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday ordered the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to lift the suspension of airport operations at the General Santos Airport to allow military aircraft, government and humanitarian flights following the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit off the coast of Sarangani.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez issued the directive at 2 p.m. of Monday, June 8 in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order for government agencies to swiftly respond to the calamity.

In a statement, 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,” he said.

(The President’s order is for the swift and continuous response to the needs of our countrymen affected by the earthquake. We must be prompt in responding to help our countrymen.)

Lopez also told the CAAP to ensure the integrity of the airport’s structures to guarantee the safety of the passengers and airport personnel.

He said 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,” Lopez said.

(Aside from ensuring that the airport did not sustain severe damage, our primordial concern is the safety of our passengers and personnel. We should also see to it that our colleagues at work and their families are okay, because many are affected.)

In a separate Facebook post, the CAAP said the General Santos Airport is now open for limited operations following the earthquake.

It said landing and takeoff operations are “currently limited to government, military, and humanitarian flights.”

“A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is in effect from June 8 at 3:00 PM until June 11 at 6:00 PM. Passengers are advised to coordinate with their respective airlines regarding the status of their flights,” the agency added.

Earlier in the day, the CAAP temporarily suspended operations at the General Santos Airport to make way for an assessment of the air navigation facilities, equipment, and operational capabilities to ensure the safety and integrity of the airport’s structures.

At 7:37 a.m. Monday, a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani, damaging infrastructure and disrupting utility services.

It also prompted the issuance of a tsunami warning for nearby areas, as well as the suspension of classes and work in government offices across several areas.

Data from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) showed that the death toll in the Mindanao earthquake has reached 35 as of Monday evening. — JMA, GMA News