Mactan Air Base to give access to air passengers

With the expected closure of roads and heavy traffic during the 12th ASEAN Summit, the Philippine Air Force base located adjacent to the Mactan Cebu International Airport will help departing passengers by opening its gate to be used as an alternative route.

Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base, home of the PAF 2nd Tactical Operations Wing, will give access to the departing passengers with tickets during the period that the ceremonial route is closed to traffic on December 8 to 14.

Maj. General Horacio Tolentino, commander of tactical operations, said that the move would alleviate the possible inconvenience that the public may encounter during the summit.

He emphasized that the opening of the gates of the air base would in no way compromise the security preparations for the summit since the 2nd TOW will be providing adequate security along the base access route.

The Sangi gate of the air base will allow passage of private vehicles with departing passengers on board. Well-wishers will not be allowed access inside the base and only the drivers and the passenger would be allowed to pass through the base. Base guards will inspect the ticket of the passengers and the driver would be issued a car pass that will be surrendered upon exit at the MBEAB gate near the departure area.

Further, Tolentino said those departing passengers that are on board public utility vehicles and taxis will not be allowed access inside the air base. However, ferry service will be provided for them to bring them from the Sangi gate to the airport via base access route and it is free of charge.

Tolentino appealed for the public's understanding that the use of air base as an alternative route for departing passengers of MCIAA is in line with the security measure being implemented during the ASEAN Summit.

He also sought the cooperation of the public who will be granted access to the base to submit themselves and their vehicles to the thorough security checks, as well as to strictly follow base regulations. He said that through this effort, he is hoping that the PAF can help the local government and the organizers of the ASEAN Summit by alleviating the possible traffic congestion during the summit, especially at the vicinity of the airport. - Wenna A. Berondo/MEEV