The Cotabato Airport and General Santos Airport suffered little damage when a magnitude 5.3 earthquake rattled Maitum, Sarangani, on Monday night, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
In a statement, CAAP said that both airports' managers immediately analyzed and inspected the structures and confirmed the absence of any serious damage to passenger terminal buildings and other airport infrastructure.
It added that the General Santos Airport has resumed normal air operations, with both of its terminal and runway open and fully operating.
On the other hand, the Cotabato Airport remained closed for development from July 6 to August 18, according to a notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued for the benefit of stakeholders.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the magnitude 5.3 earthquake was tectonic in origin and occurred around 11:35 p.m.
PHIVOLCS explained that Intensity IV was felt in T'boli, South Cotabato, while Intensity III was detected in Sarangani's Maitum and Maasim; Lake Sebu, Norala, and Tupi in South Cotabato; and General Santos City.
Meanwhile, Intensity II was recorded in Koronadal, Banga, Polomolok, and Tampakan in South Cotabato, as well as Jose Abad Santos and Balut Island in Davao Oriental.
PHIVOLCS also reported the following instrumental intensities:
- Intensity IV: T'boli, South Cotabato
- Intensity III: Banga, Norala, Tupi, and Santo Nino, South Cotabato; Esperanza, Isulan, and Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat; Maitum and Kiamba, Sarangani
- Intensity II: Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental; Maasim and Malungon, Sarangani; Bagumbayan and Lebak, Sultan Kudarat; Koronadal City, South Cotabato; City Of General Santos
- Intensity I: President Quirino, Lambayong, and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat; Tampakan, Tantangan, and Polomolok, South Cotabato
According to PHIVOLCS, no damage is expected, but aftershocks may occur.
CAAP stated that it has worked with local authorities and agencies to prepare for potential aftershocks.
