Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio “Jun” Abaya checked security at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) which is being considered as an alternate airport for the arrival of Pope Francis in the country.
“Cebu is a major hub so we’re checking on airports and seaports to eliminate all possible threats both to Sinulog in Cebu City and of course the (arrival of the) pope in Tacloban,” Abaya said.
Abaya arrived in Cebu on board a military Fokker plane with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang and Central Command chief Lt. Gen. Nicanor Vibar at 11 a.m. yesterday. Abaya said security in the airport looks “okay”. “The MCIA is an alternate airport in case of foul weather,” he said.
Ready to accept
Andrew Accquah Harrison, chief executive officer of GMR Megawide Airport Cebu Corp. (GMAC) said they weren’t told that the pope might deplane in Cebu.
“We’ve not been advised that the pope is going to stop over in Cebu; however, should the pope decide to, so we are blessed by the Almighty God,” Harrison said. He said security measures are in place for those arriving in Cebu for the Sinulog.
Harrison said they are ready to accept reservations of flights that may be affected by the pope’s arrival.