Butuan Airport opens new security office building, other facilities
By Mariesh F. CeledeΓ±a
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Butuan Airport has a new building that will house the offices of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police-Explosives Ordnance Disposal (PNP-EOD) unit, and a kennel for sniffer dogs.
The
P4.94-million facility will provide dedicated spaces for national security
forces to intensify anti-illegal drug operations and explosives threat
neutralization, enabling swift coordination, surveillance and response within
the airport.
Funding
for the construction of the facility was allocated under the 2024 budget of the
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines through the efforts of Rep. Jose
“Joboy” S. Aquino II.
Aquino
said, “Our office would continue supporting the improvements of the Bancasi
Airport to ensure that travelers and tourists are comfortable and safe.”
Christine
Barros, intelligence agent III and team leader of the PDEA Airport Interdiction
Unit, expressed gratitude for the new office and the kennel facility.
“Having a
new office really boosts the productivity and morale of our personnel. Compared
to our old office, the new office is spacious with dedicated space for the new
kennel facility of our K-9 units. We can ensure that our K-9’s are well taken
care of, are healthy and trained to assist the agents in their operations,” she
said.
“Our old
office was located outside the vicinity of the airport, but with the new office
within the Butuan Airport’s vicinity, our services are nearer, visible, prompt
and timely,” she added.
Included in the turnover were two more infrastructure facilities in the airport namely, the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Office, and a P2.96-million multi-purpose building — all for the improvement of the airport’s operations. (MFC, PIA Caraga with a report from DPWH Caraga and Butuan City PIO)
