The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) - Siargao on Tuesday, 2 December, refuted social media allegations that its personnel failed to respond to a passenger who collapsed and had a head injury at the Siargao airport terminal on 29 November. 

In a statement, CAAP said an employee immediately provided assistance to the individual who first responded to the injured passenger and provided first-aid materials requested by an on-site nurse-reservist. It added that the staff also helped clean the wound and apply pressure to the area.

“The personnel on duty at the PTB (Passenger Terminal Building) have undergone standard First Aid Training, and it is not in their conduct to ignore or neglect any passenger in distress,” the statement read. 

Airport personnel also coordinated with the local government unit of Del Carmen for ambulance support, citing that two ambulances arrived shortly after the call and transported the passenger for further treatment. 

“We assure the public and our passengers that CAAP Siargao is committed to maintaining safety, preparedness, and compassionate service at all times,” CAAP Siargao said. 

The clarification follows a social media post from a passenger saying that a foreign passenger had collapsed, though later regained consciousness. 

The passenger claimed there was no designated medic at the airport, assistance was delayed, and the airport’s medical supplies were insufficient.