Last July 18, 2025, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) successfully conducted the Airport Partial Emergency Exercise (APEX) 2025, simulating Search, Rescue, Retrieval (SRR) and Mass Casualty Incident Management (MCIM) in response to an aircraft crash scenario.

This exercise marked the culmination of the Aircraft Interior Rescue Operations (AIRO) Training Program—a four-day interagency training hosted by MCIAA. It focused on joint rescue simulations inside a simulated aircraft cabin, addressing the challenges of confined-space rescue and mass casualty management. The training was facilitated by MCIAA ARFF Instructors, Strat Ops Safety Solutions (SOSS), and the Bureau of Fire Protection.

The training and exercise were actively participated in by rescue and emergency medical services (EMS) responders from MCIAA, Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation, Lapu-Lapu City Rescue, Bureau of Fire Protection – Lapu-Lapu City Fire District, Philippine Air Force, and Cordova MDRRMO—showcasing unity, preparedness, and commitment to saving lives. Also present during the exercise were representatives from the PNP Aviation Security Unit 7, Office of Civil Defense 7, and the Mactan Airport Operators Council (MAOC), further reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and whole-of-community response.