SP issues ‘no-fly zone in Capitol Complex’ ordinance

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan enforced ordinance on no-fly zone in Capitol Complex especially during flag-raising ceremonies and special activities in the Provincial Government of Pangasinan.

This was formalized through the passing of approved Provincial Ordinance No. 9-2020 during the regular session of the provincial board on January 28.

The ordinance, authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Jeremy Agerico B. Rosary, aims to address the potential hazards that aircrafts in flight might cause, both to persons and property in the province of Pangasinan.

Board Member Ming Rosario

Furthermore, this ordinance is not intended to hinder Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines’ regulations, but rather to work in conjunction with existing policies to ensure public safety and security in Pangasinan.

It can be recalled that the provincial board held a question hour with CAAP Cluster I Manager Ronald V. Estabillo and some representatives from the three aviation schools operating in Lingayen Airport during their previous regular session on January 20 which tackled the issue of low-flying aircrafts traversing the Capitol premises and the implementation of the no-fly zone.

The approved ordinance noted that low-flying aircrafts are not permitted to fly, especially during Mondays (between 7:00 a.m. up to 9:00 a.m.) and other special occasion gatherings of the provincial government, such as: State of the Province Address, Lingayen Gulf Landings and Pangasinan Veterans Day – January 9 of every year, Pangasinan Day and Pista’y Dayat.

It was also cited under Section 5 of the ordinance that, “urgent requests for notice to airmen (NOTAM) to enforce an immediate No-Fly Zone may be made whenever extremely necessary upon the directive of the governor.”

Section 6, on the other hand, highlighted the penalties that any student-pilot, flight instructor or flying school operator shall pay in case a violation has been made: P1,000 (1^st offense); P1,500 (2^nd offense); and P2,000 and prohibition to execute airport transport services above the Capitol Complex. (Shiella Mae C. De Guzman)