Palace happy PAL passengers ‘safe’ after emergency landing

A PAL Flight 113 on its way to Manila made an emergency landing after one of its engines started emitting smoke and flames shortly after takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport on Friday (Philippine time). (File Photo by Roderick Eime/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

MANILA — Malacañang on Friday was thankful that the crew and passengers of local flag carrier Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) Boeing 777 plane are safe following an emergency landing at the Los Angeles International Airport.

A PAL Flight 113 on its way to Manila made an emergency landing after one of its engines started emitting smoke and flames shortly after takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport on Friday (Philippine time).

“Ang nabalitaan ko lang, nagka-diperensya yata ‘yung second engine. But that happens naman eh (What I heard was the second engine suffered technical problem. But happens),” Panelo told Palace reporters.

“That happens in the airline industry. What is important to me is walang nangyari (nothing bad happens). Safe ‘yung mga pasahero (Passengers are safe),” he added.

PAL, in a statement, confirmed that Flight PR114 departing from Los Angeles to Manila experienced a technical glitch shortly after takeoff.

PAL said there were no reported injuries, and ensured that all 342 passengers and 18 crew members aboard the Boeing 777 aircraft were able to safely disembark in Los Angeles International Airport.

“Our operation teams are assisting passengers and will provide medical support as needed, although there are no reports of injuries,” it said.

“We affirm that safety is our top priority and that Philippine Airlines is fully cooperating with the concerned airport and aviation authorities,” PAL added.

The incident is now under investigation, PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said in a radio interview.