By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) reminded the public that the use of drones within a 10-kilometer aerodrome radius of Ninoy Aquino International Airport is prohibited following the reports it received of unauthorized drone activities.

The MIAA advised all drone operators that they must be aware of and follow all relevant restrictions set by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

“Operating drones within this restricted radius without proper authorization poses significant safety risks, including potential collisions with aircraft, which can result in severe damage and endanger lives,” MIAA said.

“Non-compliance with CAAP drone operation regulations may result in serious legal consequences, including substantial fines and imprisonment,” it added.

According to MIAA, there were ten recorded sightings of unlicensed drone operations in 2023 and four reported in the first quarter of 2024.

It also encouraged the public to report any suspicious drone activities within a set radius to the nearest local authorities in your area, saying that public vigilance is crucial to maintaining the safety and security of the airspace.

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Following the shameful string of pest-sightings at the Philippines’ main gateway that went viral on social media, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has declared it has summoned the airport housekeeping, exterminators, and other service providers for a meeting on Monday (4 March 2024).

This developed as the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) boasted that there’s nothing to worry about any possible infestation in the airport, saying it conducts a weekly deep cleaning of facilities in the country’s second busiest 797-hectare airport which serves as the main gateway to the Central Visayas region.

“Kung ano pa mang peste yan— ipis, surot, rodent, anay, ang expectation siyempre, ng airport, inengage namin ang services nila as experts on that field of extermination, then we should have an expectation na wala pong ganitong mga pest or rodents sa ating airport,” MIAA Head Executive Assistant Chris Bendijo bared on Saturday (2 March 2024).

He humbly admitted that such incidents are unacceptable.

Aside from the disinfection system MIAA has ordered over the past several days, the management also summoned the airport’s housekeeping and pest control service providers for a review of their contracts.

To recall, a viral video posted on social media by a passenger on Friday (01 March 2024), showed a cockroach crawling on one of the chairs at the departure area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Airport operations expert Eric Jose Castro has been appointed as the acting General Manager and Member of the Board of Directors of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

His appointment was made by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., and the transmittal letter, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on December 15, officially announced that Castro would replace former MIAA chief Cesar Chiong.

A graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the Philippines, Castro furthered his education by completing the Airport and Airline Management as well as Aviation Security course at Bailbrook College, School of Aviation in the United Kingdom.

Before his new role, Castro served as the airport station manager for Etihad Airways and Gulf Air in Manila. Additionally, he held the position of Senior Executive Assistant to the Secretary of the Department of Local Government and Community Development (DLGCD).

(IAmigo/MNM)