MANILA— The Philippine Army (PA) on Monday expressed gratitude to Cebu Pacific Air for its free airlift support that helped transport troops wounded in the ongoing battle in Marawi City.
“It is with deep gratitude that we accept this kind of gesture of support for our soldiers who are now returning to their respective units for combat. It is a meaningful gesture to make your soldiers feel that their sacrifices are being recognized and appreciated,” PA Public Affairs Office chief, Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson said.
Last Monday, 11 soldiers were flown from Manila via four separate Cebu Pacific flights.
Tiongson said these soldiers were discharged from confinement at the Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. They are the first beneficiaries of the airline’s free airlift support.
Wounded troops, who are fit for commercial flights can be accommodated on Cebu Pacific flights from Cagayan De Oro (Laguindingan Airport) or Manila to any of the 37 domestic destinations of Cebu Pacific Air.
On top of the free flights, these military personnal are provided with a 40-kilogram baggage allowance.
Cebu Pacific has also been granting free 40-kilogram baggage allowance to all soldiers and police who are being deployed to Mindanao, or flying within Mindanao, provided they can show valid mission orders and AFP or PNP identification cards.
“Support for the soldiers from the private sector continues. More than 15 tons of goods in various items have been donated through the Army’s Civil Military Operations Regiment,” he added.