The Manila Times

DOTr reopens General Santos airport for relief flights

MANILA, Philippines — Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Monday ordered the reopening of operations at General Santos Airport for military, government and humanitarian flights to support disaster response efforts following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Sarangani Province. The directive, issued to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), lifted an earlier suspension of airport operations order imposed while authorities assessed the condition of the airport’s facilities and equipment after the strong tremor. Lopez said keeping the airport operational is critical to ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of relief supplies and personnel to affected communities. The transportation chief said the airport should remain accessible for disaster response operations, including the transport of relief goods and the movement of personnel involved in emergency and humanitarian efforts. Lopez also instructed CAAP to continue evaluating the integrity of airport structures and facilities to ensure the safety of passengers and aviation personnel. He directed airport officials to account for all CAAP personnel and assured assistance for employees affected by the earthquake. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is also preparing contingency measures for stranded passengers in the quake-hit region. Lopez instructed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board offices in Davao and General Santos to coordinate with airlines and issue special permits for buses serving passengers traveling to and from the airports in Davao and General Santos. The agency is likewise preparing the possible deployment of government transportation assets for free rides in affected areas should commuters become stranded due to disruptions caused by the earthquake. Meanwhile, the DOTr’s maritime sector has heightened safety and emergency response measures following the tsunami warning issued earlier by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Lopez ordered the Philippine Coast Guard to mobilize personnel and assets to assist communities affected by the tsunami threat and support the evacuation of residents in vulnerable coastal areas. The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao reported providing emergency assistance to students affected by the earthquake at Sta. Cruz National High School in Davao del Sur. Students who sustained minor injuries were brought to hospitals and given medical treatment.