Zambo airport shut down for second day

MANILA -- The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has maintained the temporary suspension of all commercial flights to and from Zamboanga International Airport amid security threats. CAAP deputy director-general Rodante Joya told radio DZMM that the suspension, which started Monday morning and will last until 9 p.m. today, could be extended if tensions escalate between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and government forces. Joya explains the airport is only a few kilometers away from the areas affected by the encounters. He said CAAP received reports that there are stray bullets found on the airport's runway. "Kahapon ang info na na-receive namin sa airbase - yung airbase katabing-katabi ng runway eh parang sa kabilang ibayo lang ng airport terminal - mayroon hong pumapatak na stray bullet doon. Pwede talaga pumatak doon," he said. CAAP said about ten commercial flights or 1,500 passengers will be affected by today's suspension. – with ANC