Manila:The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has denied recent reports suggesting that its radar systems are in disrepair and that unregistered airstrips are being utilized for aircraft operations.

According to Philippines News Agency, CAAP Director General Raul Del Rosario emphasized the Authority's commitment to maintaining the operational readiness of its surveillance systems and upholding high standards of air traffic management, aligning with directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez. He reiterated CAAP's responsibility to protect the integrity of Philippine airspace and ensure compliance with safety requirements.

CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio noted that the reports originated from social media, although no specific links to these posts were provided. He assured that 11 out of CAAP's 13 radar systems remain operational, continuing to support aircraft surveillance and air traffic management. Apolonio highlighted that overlapping radar coverage, verified by CAAP, ensures continued surveillance of affected areas, supported by flight plans, permits, and established air traffic services procedures.

Furthermore, CAAP clarified that its radar systems are capable of detecting inbound aircraft flying at altitudes as low as 1,200 feet within a range of approximately 46.1 nautical miles from the radar head. Regarding the alleged use of unregistered airstrips, CAAP confirmed having no records of such airstrips being used for authorized operations and stated that Air Traffic Services personnel verify flight-plan requests, denying those involving unlisted destinations.