MANILA, Philippines - No birds allowed.
That is the new mantra of the local government of Parañaque after passing an ordinance, which prohibits the raising, breeding and domestication of birds near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
According to city ordinance no. 12-02, Series of 2012, it is “unlawful” to “breed, raise or domesticate pigeons and other species of birds within eight miles or 13 kilometers... from the City of Parañaque boundary adjoining the NAIA.”
The move was in line with the request of Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Jose Angel Honrado to the city government to comply with the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization for aviation safety.
Mayor Florencio Bernabe Jr. added that the new ordinance could help “ensure the safety of international air travelers flying in and out of the country via NAIA as well as our residents and the general public.”
The city government cited previous bird incidents during what they call “bird strikes” when their presence on the ground compromises aircraft takeoffs and landings.
Violators will be penalized with a fine of not less than P1,000 nor more than P5,000 or imprisonment of not less 10 and not more than 30 days, subject to court discretion.
The new ordinance is an amendment of Parañaque Municipal Ordinance No. 93-08, Series of 1993 that also prohibits the raising of bird species in the airport’s immediate vicinity.