The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has deployed new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles to regional airports, marking a significant step in the Authority’s ongoing modernization of airport emergency response capabilities.
CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said an Oshkosh Striker 6×6 Fire Truck arrived at Laoag International Airport on Saturday, April 19, following the earlier delivery of another unit to Puerto Princesa International Airport on Friday, April 18.
The newly deployed units are expected to enhance the airports’ emergency response capabilities and operational readiness.
Apolonio added that each ARFF vehicle is equipped with advanced firefighting systems, including a 12,500-liter water tank, 1,750 liters of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), and 250 kilograms of Dry Chemical Powder (DCP), ensuring a rapid, efficient, and effective response to aviation-related emergencies.
Additional ARFF units are scheduled for deployment to the following airports: Butuan Airport, Siargao Airport Busuanga Airport, Bicol International Airport, General Santos International Airport and Tacloban Airport.
In total, 46 ARFF units are required under the modernization plan, with 16 units scheduled for procurement this year.
This initiative forms part of the initial phase of CAAP’s ARFF modernization program, which aims to upgrade the country’s firefighting and rescue fleet, following directives of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez.
