CAAP: Airspace Secure, Radars Functional, No Rogue Strips

CAAP: Airspace Secure, Radars Functional, No Rogue Strips

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | October 22, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has dispelled recent allegations, asserting that its radar systems are largely operational and that unauthorized airstrips are not being used for flight operations. Concurrently, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has reinforced the government’s unwavering control over civil aviation security at all Philippine airports.

CAAP announced that 11 of its 13 radar systems are currently functional, actively supporting aircraft surveillance and air traffic management. The agency confirmed that surveillance in areas affected by non-operational radars is maintained through verified overlapping radar coverage. These systems, combined with stringent flight plan protocols, flight permits, and established Air Traffic Services (ATS) procedures, ensure the safe and orderly management of Philippine airspace. CAAP also provided technical data indicating that its radar systems can detect incoming aircraft at altitudes as low as 1,200 feet, up to 46.1 nautical miles from the radar head.

Addressing concerns regarding the use of unregistered airstrips, CAAP declared it holds no records of such facilities being used for authorized flight operations. The agency emphasized that its ATS personnel rigorously verify all flight plan requests, promptly denying any involving unlisted destinations.

“We remain steadfast in ensuring the operational readiness of our surveillance systems and upholding the highest standards of air traffic management,” stated CAAP Director General Retired Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario. “Our paramount responsibility is to safeguard the integrity of Philippine airspace and guarantee that every aircraft operation adheres to established safety requirements, aligning with directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez.”

As the nation’s civil aviation safety regulator and air navigation service provider, CAAP reiterated its commitment to fortifying air navigation services and enforcing safety regulations to maintain the integrity and reliability of the country’s civil aviation system.

In a related development, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) confirmed the issuance of Department Order No. 2026-020. This order unequivocally affirms the government’s enduring authority and control over civil aviation security at all civilian airports within the country, including those operating under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.

The DOTr underscored the fundamental principle that security in critical infrastructure, particularly airports, is an indispensable matter of national security and sovereignty. Therefore, the exercise of authority and control over airport security must perpetually reside under the sovereign authority of the State. While private entities may provide support or security services as permitted by law and existing agreements, such arrangements are explicitly prohibited from transferring sovereign security authority or absolving the government of its inherent responsibility for aviation security.

The Department Order further extends the government’s authority and control over civil aviation security to all future PPP projects and mandates a comprehensive review of existing PPP agreements to ensure policy consistency. To guarantee efficient and effective implementation, the Office for Transportation Security, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and other airport authorities have been directed to coordinate and establish mechanisms that ensure civil aviation security operations remain unequivocally under government control.

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