The Philippine government will implement for security purposes a no-fly, no-sail zone policy during this week’s Papal visit.
The no-fly zone policy covers commercial flights, cargo flights, general aviation flights, flight training, radio controlled aircraft operations and unmanned aircraft system or drones from Jan 16 to 19. It includes places where Pope Francis will visit such as the Apostolic Nunciature, Manila; Malacañang; Manila Cathedral; SM Mall of Asia Arena; University of Sto. Tomas; and Luneta.
Violators of the no-fly zone policy will face fines from P300,000 to P500,000, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport will have limited operations from Jan 15 when the Pope arrives, on Jan 17 when he leaves for Tacloban, and on Jan 19 upon leaving the country. Tacloban Airport will be closed from 5am to 9pm on Jan 17.
The Philippine Coast Guard will implement a no-sail zone policy from Jan 12 to 19, within a mile from the Manila Bay breakwater and other areas near the venues of the papal visit.This rule will cover all kinds of sea vessels, including yachts, dragon boats, kayaks, cruise ships, fishing boats, ships and small boats. Sea planes will also be prohibited near the breakwater.
The Coast Guard has also designated no sail zones in the waters near Tacloban City and Palo town, both in Leyte, which the Pope will visit on Jan 17.
The City Government of Manila and the Metro Manila Development Authority are closing roads where Pope Francis will be visiting. These include those leading to and from the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, UST in Espana, the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta.
Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
