Manila, March 8 -- The Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) confirmed that a Cebu Pacific plane encountered landing gear issues but returned safely to the Cebu airport on Saturday morning.

All 163 passengers, including an infant, and crew were safe.

In an advisory, MCIAA said Cebu Pacific flight 5J 588 departed at 4:41 a.m. for Manila when the pilot announced a mechanical issue that prompted the decision to turn the aircraft for an emergency landing back at the airport of origin.

"MCIAA and its partner agencies promptly coordinated with Cebu Pacific and relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the passengers, crew and airport operations, ensuring that all protocols were followed," airport authorities said in a state...