• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) urged the public June 24 to ensure that their gadgets are in good condition before plugging them into airport outlets.
This was after a passenger’s laptop emitted smoke while plugged into an electrical outlet at the Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport June 23.
The CAAP Area Center 7 said that, at around 8:23 p.m. Sunday, a laptop began to emit smoke while being charged at an electrical outlet in the departure area.
CAAP security promptly responded and used a fire extinguisher to put out the burning charger, and it was fully extinguished about two minutes later.
“However, due to the strong smell of smoke, almost 160 passengers were temporarily relocated to the ramp area…and instructed to return to the pre-departure area at 8:40 p.m.,” the CAAP said in a statement, adding that no flights have been affected.
The public is strongly urged to be vigilant with their electronic gadgets at airports, and ensure that they are properly inspected and in good condition to prevent any untoward incident, it added.
The CAAP also iterated its call for the public to avoid transacting with fake phishing emails, and to directly address their concerns to the proper offices using official channels of communication.
“In light of a recent report of fraudsters pretending to conduct an alleged ‘delivery business’ as CAAP, we wish to clarify that we do not, in any way, engage in businesses of parcel deliveries,” its advisory said.
“If you receive any similar suspicious messages, report this to the CAAP Management and Information Systems Division, via email at network.admin@caap.gov.ph for appropriate action and investigation,” it added. | CGC
