---

JOLO, Sulu – Sulu Gov. Abdusakur M. Tan said there are plans to relocate the Jolo Airport to Maimbung municipality as the airport and its surroundings are already congested and aircraft safety might be compromised in the long run.

In a statement via the official Facebook page of the Sulu provincial government, Gov. Tan expressed these plans when he received officials from the Bangsamoro Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MOTC) led by Engr Nasrodin Masakal at the provincial capitol last week.

Tan said this is also due to Maimbung’s location and near proximity to other municipalities being at the Center of the Sulu Mainland.

During the visit, the statement said, Masakal informed the governor about the transfer of management of the Jolo Airport from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to the MOTC through its Bangsamoro Airport Authority (BAA).

As to the plan transfer, Masakal sad: “A Feasibility Study on the proposed airport in Maimbung is required.”

Fencing of the Jolo Seaport

Tan also revealed the urgent need to expand the Jolo seaport towards  deeper waters. 

“At present, due to its shallow depth, only small and medium sized vessels  are able to dock at the seaport,” he said, adding that “ Load capacity is limited.“

Tan emphasized: “Having the proper water depth, would allow the seaport to accommodate larger vessels. In effect,  increase the volume of trade and transport of goods with other business entities throughout the country,  boosting our local industries and spurring economic activity.”

By MAS N. YAHYA