Agencies hold simulation exercise

CEBU, Philippines — Various agencies and organizations participated in a crucial off-airport plane crash simulation exercise last March 27, aimed at preparing responders for potential aircraft accidents outside the perimeter of Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).

The exercise was conducted in Sitio Soong, Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City, and was participated by personnel from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, Philippine National Police Aviation Security Unit, General Aviation Locators, Bureau of Fire Protection, Lapu-Lapu City Rescue, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and the Lapu-Lapu City Police.

According to Nagiel Bañacia, head of the Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the primary objective was to evaluate the coordination between airport-based emergency response units and local government agencies in case of an aircraft crash outside the airport premises.

He said that the exercise scenario simulated an aircraft experiencing engine trouble while attempting to return to MCIA, ultimately crashing in Soong.

“As a background diri man gud sa siyudad atong gi-consider ang airport as one of the hazard, disaster law nag-ingon man gud na kinahanglan ang tanan LGU and even barangay kahibaw unsa mga peligro hazard sa ilaha. Ang airport nakita nato na hazard,” said Bañacia.

One of the critical findings from the simulation was the existence of communication gaps between the airport’s command center and the city’s emergency response teams.

“Didto nakita nato na evaluation na dunay problema sa communication sa amoa gani command center ug command center sa airport na dunay communication gaps usa na sa pinaka importante na atong gi-test,” he added.

The exercise also highlighted technical gaps that require improvements, particularly in coordination protocols and response execution.

Aside from ensuring proper rescue operations, the drill also tested the ability of local barangay officials and police to secure the crash site and preserve evidence.

Authorities also examined contingency measures for scenarios where homes or public infrastructures might be affected.

A well-coordinated response plan is necessary, considering that local emergency teams will be called upon if a real emergency also occurs in MCIA.

The exercise aligns with global best practices in aviation emergency preparedness, learning from past incidents worldwide to enhance local response strategies.

“One of the reasons is kanang nahitabo sa ilaha possible mahitabo sa atoa,” Bañacia emphasized.

Bañacia assured the public that safety remains a top priority and that efforts will continue to improve disaster preparedness initiatives in the city. — (FREEMAN)