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The Bangsamoro Airport Authority assumed landside operation and management of six regional airports from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
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The six airports are Awang Airport in Maguindanao del Norte; Wao and Malabang Airports in Lanao del Sur; Sanga-Sanga Airport and Mapun Airstrip in Tawi-Tawi; and Jolo Airport in Sulu
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CAAP will retain air-side management and control of the airports’ air traffic control tower, air navigation equipment and facilities
The Bangsamoro Airport Authority (BAA) has assumed landside operation and management of six regional airports from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
The airports are:
- Awang Airport in Maguindanao del Norte
- Wao Airport in Lanao del Sur
- Malabang Airport in Lanao del Sur
- Sanga-Sanga Airport in Tawi-Tawi
- Mapun Airstrip in Tawi-Tawi
- Jolo Airport in Sulu
The turnover on January 11 was led by Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim and Intelligence and Investigation Division acting chief, Brig. Gen. Dionisio Robles (ret.) representing CAAP.
CAAP said the BAA, an attached agency of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Ministry of Transportation and Communications, can now begin the land-side management of the airports, including the operation and management of the airports’ passenger terminal buildings, administrative buildings, vehicular parking area, and other facilities or areas that are not restricted and/or not part of air navigational aids and facilities.
CAAP will retain air-side management and control of the airports’ air traffic control tower, air navigation equipment and facilities.
In a statement, Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, who graced the turnover, noted the development “ensures that the region is well connected by air in all geographical parts”.
In a memorandum of agreement signed between CAAP and BAA on September 20, 2022, CAAP completely transferred to BAA all properties, assets, powers and functions pertaining to the landside management of the six airports in the region.
READ: BARMM takes over management of region’s airports
The change in operation management has grounds on Section 38, Article XIII of the Republic Act 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which vested the Bangsamoro Government “the authority to grant the regional franchise, licenses, and permits to land, sea and air transportation plying routes in the provinces or cities within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region”.
In a message read by acting division chief-Intelligence and Investigation BGen Dionisio Robles, CAAP director general Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo signified his support to the new management.
“Please know that CAAP will remain through its resolution of providing necessary technical assistance to BAA through training, seminars, and other activities that will enhance its capacity and further strengthen our support in this region,” Tamayo said.
The turnover is a historical first and is an opportunity to show that those in BARMM can manage airports well, MOTC Minister Atty. Paisalin Tago said.
The turnover was attended by Datu Odin Sinsuat Mayor Datu Lester Sinsuat and his wife Maguindanao Vice Governor Bai Ainee Sinsuat, members of parliament, airline officials operating in the region, and other stakeholders.
