Before it was dispersed, the barricade set up by Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) members blocked several roads in Davao City, including those leading to and from the Davao International Airport, leading to many passengers who were forced to walk, including a tourist who is a person with disability (PWD).
The portion of the Carlos P. Garcia Highway near the KOJC compound is still closed to motorists.
Passengers are finding it difficult to reach the airport’s departure and arrival areas due to its close proximity to the KOJC property where hundreds of its members have assembled in protest.
“Malaking abala. First time kong makabalik ulit sa Davao at hindi ako makasakay papuntang Tagum City”, said Jackilyn Certifico, an Overseas Filipino Worker.
Bohol-bound passenger Joy Rejis also shared her frustration, “Saan kami ngayon papunta eh puro close. Isang tao lang ang hinahanap, bakit kami lahat apektado?” Sabrina, a tourist and PWD, was forced to walk to the airport from her accommodation.
“Parang hindi na kami babalik kasi parang nakakatakot,” she said.
Even residents commuting to work were affected.
“Laking abala kasi hindi kami agad makapunta sa trabaho kasi wala kaming masakyan”, said Jericho Quimno, an employee.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP-Davao) said entry and exit to the airport was limited to the main entrance.
“What used to be our exit gate, nakasarado po siya ngayon as a precautionary measure because that gate is very near. Masyadong malapit po doon sa kaganapan,” said Rex Obcena, CAAP Davao manager.
Despite the disturbance, no flights were cancelled although there were some delays.
“We were all in agreement na to extend or to stretch operations as much as they can to accommodate the passengers kasi understandably yun iba naantala talaga sa traffic,” Obcena added.
“Para sa mga passengers at sa mga turista, isolated case lang ang nangyari,” said Police Major Catherine dela Rey, spokesperson for Police Regional Office 11.
To help address the situation, the City Transport and Traffic Management Office also provided an alternate route.
At present, there is the constant flow of vehicles to and from the main entrance of the Davao International Airport. The former one way road was turned to accommodate traffic on both sides after the exit gate near the KOJC compound was temporarily closed. Traffic has improved after City Traffic personnel to direct and assist motorists.
