MANILA, (PNA) — The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said that all commercial flights to and from Zambanga City continue to be suspended on Tuesday due to security reason as the conflict there has not been resolved
“Yung aming Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) ay hanggang alas-9 lang sana kagabi (Monday night) pero ang aming information from the Armed Forces , sa intelligence unit nila, and aming sariling intelligence people, ine-extend po namin ang suspension hanggang alas-9 ng gabi ngayong araw na ito (Tuesday),” said Deputy Director General Rodante Joya, CAAP chief financial officer .
He said the suspension of commercial flights in Zamboanga will all depend on the prevailing situation in the coming days.
Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco on Tuesday morning appealed to CAAP to lift the suspension order as it is affecting commerce in the city, aside from the many passengers stranded there. She said the airport is secured since the conflict is just confined to the five barangays of the city.
Classes in all levels and work in offices are suspended for the day.
But, Joya said there were reports that reached them which said that stray bullets have reached the airport’s runway. The airport is about three to four kilometers from the conflict site.
He added that the risk factor for aircraft is still present considering the standoff is not over yet.
The CAAP suspended commercial flights in Zamboanga City on Monday morning which affected at least 10 flights, stranding some 1,500 passengers.
Joya said 10 flights will also be affected on Tuesday.
He clarified that even cargo planes are still not allowed to fly to and from Zamboanga City.