Philippine senator Francis Tolentino emphasized the urgent need to enhance aviation safety standards across the country’s airports. His comments come in the wake of a serious incident involving a Jeju Air flight that occurred shortly before his radio broadcast on December 30.

During the program, Tolentino highlighted the importance of monitoring migratory bird patterns near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which is close to a protected sanctuary. He stated:

“Changes in the pattern and volume of migratory birds should be constantly tracked, especially since the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is located a few kilometers from Freedom Island, a protected bird sanctuary in Manila Bay.”

In response, CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio reassured the public that improvements to aviation safety measures are underway, particularly those aimed at reducing the risk of bird strikes, a growing concern as climate change affects migratory patterns.

“Climate change is one of the factors considered by the agency in implementing measures to deter bird strikes on aircraft that are either taking off or landing at the country’s airports.”