A total of 124 passengers stranded while waiting for available flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) were brought to the Philippine Army Wellness Center in Fort Bonifacio temporarily on Saturday.
Army spokesman Colonel Ramon Zagala said the military responded to the order to help the stranded passengers.
Some Filipinos passengers have been staying outside the NAIA terminals for several days waiting for an announcement from the government if they can be accommodated in flights to their home provinces.
“Nagbigay ng utos na tulungan natin ang ating mga stranded na kababayan,” Zagala said.
Zagala said the passengers were brought to the Army gym.
“Itong ating gynasium, nakita natin na maaari nating magamit para matulungan ang ating mga kababayan,” he said.
Zagala said the Philippine Army will provide food to the passengers and will bring them to NAIA once their flights are confirmed.
“Mayroon po tayong medical personnel na narito,” he added.
Some passengers were even scammed by sellers, as the passengers bought fake plane tickets.
Others had confirmed flights, but these were canceled, forcing the passengers to seek shelter under trees and under the expressway.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) based in the National Capital Region (NCR) coordinated with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to provide portalets while airline companies, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) are already addressing the situation.
Last Friday, Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano said the locally stranded individuals (LSIs) do not experience hunger as they were provided assistance by the local and national government./Stacy Ang
