The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Wednesday commended the management of Laguindingan Airport for the success of its full-scale emergency exercise aimed at improving safety and preparedness for passengers and personnel in potential emergencies.
During the drill, a mock-up aircraft caught fire due to a crash-landing scenario at the airport.
The Pilot-in-Command declared an emergency alert due to loss of vertical control and notified Laguindingan Air Traffic Control to request a priority landing.
The Incident Management Team and Emergency Operations Center were activated, and the aircraft on fire and passengers on board simulated wreckage, injuries, and wounds requiring immediate fire suppression and rescue.
CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said the participation of other government agencies provided essential resources and expertise, enhancing the exercise’s effectiveness and improving the airport’s emergency response capabilities.
The exercise involved agencies, including the Office of Civil Defense, Disaster Reduction and Risk Offices, Bureau of Fire Protection, National Police, Department of Health, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard.
The event also witnessed the collaborative spirit of the local community and volunteers coming together to support the airport’s pioneering initiative.
“Today’s aircraft emergency full-scale exercise at Laguindingan Airport has demonstrated our preparedness and taken a crucial step in ensuring that we are fully equipped to handle emergencies in our current situation. It is important to emphasize that the impact of this exercise on our ability to rescue everyone cannot be overstated,” said CAAP Area Manager X Engr. Job De Jesus.
The Office for Regional Concerns and Facilitation of Presidential Assistance – Presidential Management Staff highlighted the importance of such exercises in building resilience and enhancing the country’s disaster response capabilities.
