Aircraft problem delays Marcos' visit to South Cotabato

The aircraft that was supposed to bring President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to South Cotabato encountered a technical problem on Wednesday.

This was confirmed by Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil to reporters. She said the plane had to go back to Villamor Air Base after encountering a technical issue.

Garafil said Marcos had to use a different aircraft.

"Nagkaroon ng technical issue ang eroplano kaya bumalik sa Villamor at gumamit ng ibang aircraft patungong South Cotabato," Garafil said in a message.

The plane safely landed in South Cotabato, according to Garafil.

"The President is ok," she said.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF), meanwhile, said in a statement that the technical problem was "nothing serious."

"The G280 command and control aircraft that flew this morning with the President onboard had to return to base a few minutes after takeoff due to a minor technical issue on the aircraft's flaps operations," the PAF said.

"It is nothing serious, but since the PAF maintains the highest standards of flight safety, the pilots decided to do a precautionary return to base and have the aircraft thoroughly checked. There was a ready backup aircraft, which is a C295, and so the presidential movement was resumed immediately," added the PAF.

Marcos will grace the launch of the province's consolidated rice production and mechanization as well as the Kadiwa Ng Pangulo in the area. —VAL, GMA Integrated News