CAAP: No damage in Cotabato, GenSan airports after magnitude 5.3 Sarangani earthquake

The Cotabato Airport and General Santos Airport sustained no damage in their facilities after a magnitude 5.3 earthquake jolted Maitum, Sarangani on Monday night, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said Tuesday.

“Managers of both airports immediately assessed and inspected the structures and confirmed the absence of any significant damage to passenger terminal buildings and other airport facilities,” CAAP said in a statement.

CAAP said the General Santos Airport has resumed normal flight operations, with both its terminal and runway open and fully operational.

The Cotabato Airport, however, remained closed for development from July 6 to August 18, as stated in the notice to airmen (NOTAM) it released for the information of stakeholders.

“The closure is due to the ongoing asphalt overlay and repainting of the runway markings. During this period, the airport will not be operating fixed wing aircraft and no commercial flights will be received,” CAAP said.

The magnitude 5.3 earthquake, which was tectonic in origin, occurred at 11:35 p.m., according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

PHIVOLCS said Intensity IV was recorded in T'boli, South Cotabato, while Intensity III was felt in Maitum and Maasim in Sarangani; Lake Sebu, Norala, and Tupi, in South Cotabato; and General Santos City.

Intensity II, meanwhile, was logged in the City of Koronadal, Banga, Polomolok, and Tampakan, in South Cotabato; and Jose Abad Santos and Balut Island in Davao Occidental.

PHIVOLCS also reported the following instrumental intensities:

• Intensity IV - T'boli, South Cotabato
• Intensity III - Banga, Norala, Tupi, and Santo Nino, South Cotabato; Esperanza, Isulan, and Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat; Maitum and Kiamba, Sarangani
• Intensity II - Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental; Maasim and Malungon, Sarangani; Bagumbayan and Lebak, Sultan Kudarat; Koronadal City, South Cotabato; City Of General Santos
• Intensity I - President Quirino, Lambayong, and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat; Tampakan, Tantangan, and Polomolok, South Cotabato

No damage were expected, but aftershocks may occur, said PHIVOLCS.

CAAP said it has coordinated with local authorities and agencies to prepare for these possible aftershocks.

“CAAP will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide necessary updates to ensure the smooth and safe operation of flights in the affected areas,” it added. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News