No-fly zone over NAIA during Obama's arrival, departure

MANILA - Aside from the US Secret Service, members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) will also be providing protection for US President Barack Obama during his visit to Manila next week. Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, said the PSG began planning security arrangements last Monday. Zagala said it is protocol for the host country to provide security for VIPs like heads of state. He added that coordination is being made with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) for the security along the route of Obama's convoy. Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said a no-fly zone will be imposed in the skies above the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) during Obama's arrival on Monday and his departure on Tuesday. Captain John Andrews, CAAP deputy director general, said the no-fly zone will be in effect for up to 30 minutes. Andrews is confident this will not affect operations of commercial airlines since they have already been advised to make adjustments to their flight schedule. - ANC