The Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) assures both domestic and foreign travellers that all airports and seaports in Mindanao are currently operational following rigid inspection.
Safety inspections were immediately carried out on hubs throughout Mindanao Island following the 7.4 earthquake that shook the province of Davao Oriental on Friday, 10th October.
In a statement, acting transportation secretary Giovanni Lopez said he directed the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to continue monitoring and observing airports and seaports in the event of aftershocks.
Lopez declared in the vernacular: “All ports are operational at this point in time. Indeed, service has resumed at all airports in the region, including the Davao Airport.”
The secretary’s statement followed a direct order from Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jnr to ensure the operability of all airports and seaports for emergency operations in light of recent earthquakes and typhoons.
Other relevant measures
In addition, the Philippine Coast Guard has instructed its deployable response groups to assist in search and rescue missions in communities affected by the earthquake.
Love Buses have also been rerouted to areas with stranded commuters to provide free rides.
Lopez added: “Commuters and motorists, meanwhile, are being assisted by personnel from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Davao to ensure road and commuter safety. Our agencies have been authorised to help commuters shift from their original routes in order to provide transportation for those affected by the quakes.”
The President also ordered the postponement of upcoming events, including the Siargao International Surfing Cup which was slated for 23rd to 31st of this month, until the safety of all affected areas has been guaranteed.
