Marcos’ plane forced to return to base due to malfunctioning flaps
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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr was able to attend the event safely, apologising for his lateness.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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MANILA – The plane that was supposed to fly President Ferdinand Marcos Jr had “minor technical issues” during his flight to South Cotabato on Wednesday, delaying his arrival in the province for a rice production programme.
Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesman Maria Consuelo Castillo said the issues were minor.
“The G280 command and control aircraft that flew this morning with the President onboard had to return to base a few minutes after takeoff due to a minor technical issue on the aircraft’s flaps operations,” said Colonel Castillo in a statement.
Mr Marcos Jr was in the province for the launch of the South Cotabato Consolidated Rice Production and Mechanisation Programme in the municipality of Banga.
“It is nothing serious, but since the PAF maintains the highest standards of flight safety, the pilots decided to do a precautionary return to base and have the aircraft thoroughly checked. There was a ready backup aircraft, which is a C295, and so the presidential movement was resumed immediately,” she said.
Mr Marcos Jr was able to attend the event safely, apologising for his lateness.
“I ask for your forgiveness as I made you wait a few hours. You look hungry,” Mr Marcos told the farmers at the launch. PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
