Manila: The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) commended on Monday a municipality in Albay for enacting an ordinance that would prevent bird strikes, enhancing safety in aviation. The Pigeon-Related Activities Regulation ordinance of the province's Daraga town that prohibits all pigeon-related activities within a 3-km. radius of the Bicol International Airport (BIA).

According to Philippines News Agency, it strictly bans the breeding, release, and commercial or personal care of pigeons in the designated area. The establishment of commercial pigeon farms and the feeding of stray pigeons, practices that may increase the risk of bird strikes, are likewise prohibited. Violators will face penalties from PHP1,500 to PHP2,500, along with the confiscation or permanent ban of pet pigeons within the restricted area.

'The passage of this ordinance is a significant step in reducing the risk of bird strikes at BIA. We sincerely thank the Albay government for recognizing the importance of this initiative and for their proactive efforts in protecting passengers, aircraft, and airport infrastructure,' CAAP Area Manager 5 Cynthia Tumanut said in a statement.

CAAP said the agency remains dedicated to collaborating with local authorities and key stakeholders to implement sustainable aviation safety measures that ensure the continued security and efficiency of flight operations in the region. Earlier this month, a cargo plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport after a bird strike caused one of its engines to catch fire shortly after takeoff. CAAP earlier reported there were 181 cases of bird strikes at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in 2024.