MANILA, July 21 — Cebu Pacific Air will be providing airlift support to military and police personnel wounded in action (WIA) in Marawi City.
On top of the free airlift on Cebu Pacific flights, the WIA government troops will also get baggage allowance of up to 40 kilograms.
In cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), this initiative aims to augment air support by the Philippine Air Force by helping move wounded government troops from field hospitals in the area to larger medical facilities of the AFP and PNP.
Through this, field medical stations can be declogged, giving way for wounded soldiers and police personnel who need immediate medical attention.
“It is with deep gratitude that we accept this kind gesture of support by Cebu Pacific led by its President and CEO, Mr Lance Gokongwei, in the airlift of our heroes Wounded in Action in Marawi. This will not just afford our troops immediate treatment in hospitals that offer better facilities to aid their speedy recovery, but a meaningful gesture to make your Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, and Marines feel that their sacrifices are being recognized and appreciated,” said Marine Colonel Edgard Arevalo, Chief of the AFP’s Public Affairs Office.
“The officers and rank-and-file of the Philippine National Police and our families are grateful for this magnanimous expression of kindness and compassion by the management of Cebu Pacific to provide life-saving medical evacuation to policemen who are wounded in fighting local terrorists in Mindanao. This is not the first time that Cebu Pacific extended a helping hand to our troops. We cannot thank them enough for keeping the Filipino spirit of ‘Bayanihan’ alive in such crucial time of emergency,” said Police Chief Superintendent Dionardo Carlos, Chief of the PNP Public Information Office.
WIA government troops who are fit enough for commercial flights can be accommodated on Cebu Pacific flights from Cagayan de Oro (Laguindingan Airport), and flown to any CEB domestic destination. Currently, Cebu Pacific has direct flights from Cagayan de Oro to Bacolod; Tagbilaran, Bohol; Cebu; Davao; Iloilo and Manila. By July 26, CEB will also fly direct between Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga City.
On top of the airlifting of WIA government troops, CEB is also airlifting cargo of relief goods and other humanitarian assistance for affected residents. Donors may coordinate with the GMA Kapuso Foundation or the Philippine Business for Social Progress for packing and transport arrangements of their donated goods.
Cebu Pacific will continue to provide free cargo support for relief goods and other essential items for displaced residents of Marawi City and adjacent areas from various organizations, most notably the Department of Social Welfare and Development. These include food and water; medicines; bandages; clothing and other necessities. The airline has provided equipment support to the Office of Civil Defense in the transport of humanitarian assistance. (PR/PNA)