BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong has directed the Baguio City Police Office to provide assistance to the Loakan Airport Security Committee during temporary closure of the national highway at the end of Runway 27 to ensure safety during flight arrival and departure.
He assured that the city government will pursue its plan to construct a new road to serve residents and motorists affected by the closure of the Loakan Airport runway.
Magalong approved the request of Loakan Airport Manager Rosito Tamayo for the deployment of personnel from the BCPO Station 4 (Loakan) to augment the team composed of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Aviation Security Group in manning the closure of the highway.
Tamayo told the Magalong that they need police assistance since the national road, located at the end of Runway 27 or the Major Mane Road leading to the Philippine Military Academy, is outside the airport perimeter.
“We need to do it as the permanent solution to the access problem in the area,” Magalong said.
He said coordination is now being made with the Department of Public Works and Highways and other agencies on the technical and financial aspects of the proposed project.
However, initial findings on the lot being eyed for the road showed that there were portions owned by private individuals and not solely owned by the Philippine Export Zone Authority (PEZA) as initially presumed.
“Unfortunately, we need to resolve issues on the privately owned lots along with the additional funding required to get it done. The additional funding was not included in our 2023 budget so it may be worked out by 2024,” Magalong said.
He assured that arrangements are also being made with the CAAP in working out ways to provide residents temporary access while ensuring the safety of the aircrafts and crewmen using the runway.
“What is important is to stop the indiscriminate use of the runway to prevent hazards that may compromise the safety of the passengers, airport personnel, and the aircraft,” Magalong added.