Four int'l, domestic flights canceled due to 'Kiko'

At least four local and international flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have been canceled Saturday following the effects of typhoon "Kiko" in the country and in neighboring Taiwan, QTV's Balitanghali reported. The canceled flights were identified as Sea Air flights to and from Basco, Batanes (DG-601 and DG-602). Also canceled flights at the NAIA were Philippine Airlines flights PR-896 and 897 (to and from Taipei in Taiwan) Meanwhile, the PAL flights from Manila to Jakarta, Indonesia and back have likewise been canceled, not due to Kiko, but because of engine problems. At least 73,171 people were affected when typhoon "Kiko" lashed parts of the country, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said Saturday. [See: More than 73K affected by typhoon Kiko; 10 killed] As of 4 a.m. Saturday, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said "Kiko" was 390 km north of Basco, Batanes. But "Kiko" still packed maximum winds of 130 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph, and was moving west-northwest at 9 kph. [See: More rains in Luzon as 'Kiko' makes landfall over Taiwan] On Sunday morning, 'Kiko' is expected to be 515 km north-northwest of Basco, Batanes or 40 km southeast of Southeastern China. - Mark Merueñas, GMANews.TV