’30-minute no fly zone’ over NAIA, Palace on Obama arrival, departure—CAAP

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and Malacañang will be a “no fly zone” for “up to 30 minutes” when US President Barack Obama arrives next week, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said in a statement Friday.

CAAP, however, said the policy “would not affect the operations of commercial airlines” as the passengers have been informed about the adjustments on the flight schedules.

CAAP said the “no fly zone” would be in effect when Obama arrives on April 28 and leaves on April 29.

Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Affairs Office chief, said Obama’s visit remained confidential for security reasons.

Only the Palace and the Department of Foreign Affairs have the authority to announce the scheduled trips of Obama in the country, Zagala added.

As for the Philippine National Police, it has coordinated with the Presidential Security Group (PSG) in implementing security measures before, during, and after Obama’s visit.

President Benigno Aquino III and Obama will be talking about defense and security cooperation as well as trade matters between the two allied countries.

The Philippines is one of several countries in Asia, which Obama visited after Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea.

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