CAAP turns over management of 6 airports to BARMM

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will now manage the operations of six airports in the region, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) said Thursday.

According to the DoTr, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) formally transferred its powers and functions to the  Bangsamoro Airport Authority (BAA) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed by representatives on Tuesday, September 20.

These airports are the Cotabato Airport (Awang) in Cotabato City; Sanga-Sanga Airport in Tawi-Tawi; Jolo Airport in Sulu; Wao Airport and Malabang Airport in Lanao del Sur; and Mapun Airport in Mapun, Tawi-Tawi, the department said.

In a separate statement, the BARMM said the agreement provides for CAAP’s full turnover of the properties, assets, powers, and functions pertaining to the landslide management of the airports to BAA.

The landside portion includes the Passenger Terminal Building, Administrative Building, Vehicular Parking Area, and other facilities or areas that are not restricted and/or not part of Air Navigational Aids and Facilities.

CAAP will retain authority on airside operational control and consequently of runways, taxiways, ramps, airport control towers, power plants, and flight service station buildings.

It will also provide technical assistance to BAA through training, seminars, and other activities which will enhance the capacity of the latter to perform its functions.

Further, CAAP will provide financial support for the airports’ Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses until December 31, 2022.

DoTr, for its part, said the agreement also facilitates the implementation of Republic Act No. 11054 or the “Bangsamoro Organic Law” which establishes the institution of the BARMM. — Sundy Locus/BM, GMA News