Supporters of presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte pose for media as they launch the “Duterte Bantay Boto Brigade” (DBBB) during a press conference in Quezon City on Wednesday. The group aims to solidify its volunteer groups to help safeguard votes for Mayor Duterte, who was ahead in the latest polls. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Philippine aviation officials will implement new airport protocols to ensure the safety of incoming President Rodrigo Duterte during his trips to Manila and Davao City, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said Thursday.
Gen. Rodante Joya, CAAP Deputy Director General for Operations, said the Presidential Security Group and other government agencies will need to draft new regulations to ensure Duterte’s safety while taking commercial planes from Davao to Manila and back.
He said other flights will be affected by Duterte’s trips under the present airport protocol.
“No other airplane will move, even vehicles, to ensure the security of the President inside the airport. Siya iyung priority,” he said.
“Pagsakay niya ng eroplano at ready for taxi na iyung eroplano, simula na iyun ng quasi-emergency. Matatapos iyan kapag naka-take off na siya, including iyung kanyang back-up aircraft.”
Airport operation may be suspended from nine to 12 minutes to give way to the arrival or takeoff of the airplane boarded by the President, Joya said.
Duterte has said he would govern the country both from Malacanang and Davao City where he served as mayor for over two decades, unmindful of the grueling commute that includes a nearly two-hour plane ride and navigating Metro Manila’s traffic-choked streets.
He earlier said he will not sleep in Malacanang Palace because it is haunted.
“Ayoko matulog doon,” he said, referring to the presidential palace.
“Nandoon lahat ng multo na dumaan sa Pilipinas. Maglalakad sila, magkokomperensiya, eh di sila doon. Tutal, past tense naman tayo. They’re still there and sometimes they’ll hold a conference, well let them.”
The PSG has reportedly advised Duterte against going home to Davao City every day.
Duterte will take his oath of office as the 16th President of the Philippines on June 30. (MNS)