By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is scheduled to close down the Bacolod-Silay Airport’s runway this morning as part of today’s full scale emergency exercise.

Based on an advisory from the CAAP Media and Communications Office, exercises will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

They already issued a notice to airmen indicating the airport’s Runway 03/21 will be affected by the closure.

The said exercise is part of the facility’s compliance with its aerodrome certification.

Due to the exercise, CAAP has requested passengers who may be affected to contact their carrier for any inquiries regarding their flight schedules.

Meanwhile, as part of the exercise, Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares III, yesterday issued a statement urging residents not to be alarmed if they see a large number of emergency vehicles exiting their base at the old Municipal Building Compound, located at the city’s public plaza.

Lizares said the drills will further enhance their response capabilities should a real airport emergency take place.

He added, the Talisay City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office is a designated first responders for emergencies at the airport./DGB, WDJ