Cebu Pacific to provide airlift support to wounded soldiers, cops in Marawi CEB to provide free cargo for relief goods for Marawi

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Image source: Cebu Pacific Air

Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) 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," says 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,” says 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.

Heart of Kapitan for the country's heroes - Puso ni KAP para sa AFP at PNP

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PAL Chairman Lucio C. Tan is granting special privileges for the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in recognition of their sacrifices for the country.

Dr. Tan is granting 40 kilos free baggage allowance to AFP and PNP personnel in active service traveling on all PAL domestic routes on official or personal capacity. 

PAL continues to support the PH troops amid the Marawi crisis by granting special privileges to AFP and PNP personnel. Earlier this month, PAL chairman Dr. Lucio Tan has also personally turned over a P2 million check donation to support the country’s soldiers.

Military personnel are required to present their valid identification card upon check in at the airport. Baggage in excess of the free baggage allowance of 40 kilos shall be assessed the applicable excess baggage rates. 

This grant, which is applicable across all fare brands, shall be valid only for travel until 31 December 2017.

“My heart goes out to our country's heroes and heroines who have sacrificed their lives in the battlefield and to all those who continue fighting to save Marawi and other critical areas. You deserve the country's highest honor,”stressed Chairman Tan.

In addition, a 20% discount on ALL regular domestic fare brands (except budget economy fare brands) is also being provided to all active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for any type of travel – official or personal. AFP and PNP personnel must present a valid ID card upon ticketing.

On July 25, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte will be honoring fallen soldiers of Marawi in Malacanang Palace with the family members of deceased soldiers as special guests.

PAL is extending two free domestic tickets to Manila for each family attending the said event called “Salamat Magigiting na Mandirigma, Go Negosyo Kapatid from Marawi Financial Assistance to the Families of Fallen Heroes”. 

Earlier, the flag carrier donated two million pesos to the AFP for the soldiers who are fighting or have fought in Marawi. 

The Tan Yan Kee Foundation – the corporate social responsibility arm of the LT Group as well as the PAL foundation are carrying out donation drives and humanitarian cargo grants, respectively, for those affected by the Marawi situation.

Smart provides 15 days of free calls and texts for displaced Marawi residents

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As part of its ongoing efforts to help and support those affected by the Marawi conflict, mobile services provider Smart Communications has opened up its network to provide free calls and texts catering to Marawi residents affected and displaced by the ongoing crisis.

Starting on June 23, Friday, Marawi residents who are Smart, TNT, and Sun prepaid subscribers will benefit from free calls and texts within the three networks, valid for 15 days, allowing them to get in touch with their loved ones. The service also coincides with the observance of Eid’l Fitr, or the end of Ramadan, on June 26, Monday.

The public service is open to residents still caught in Marawi City, as well as residents who have evacuated the besieged area.

Eligible Smart, TNT, and Sun subscribers shall receive a notification within the next few days to inform them how they can avail of the call and text services without incurring charges.

“We realize that mobile communication serves as a vital lifeline in disaster and crisis situations. By providing our special service to those affected by the ongoing conflict in Marawi, we enable our brothers and sisters to reconnect with their loved ones and draw strength from each other in these trying times,” said Ramon R. Isberto, PLDT and Smart Public Affairs Head.

Smart’s call and text services are part of the PLDT group’s ongoing efforts to support government and military operations, and help those affected by the conflict not just in Marawi City but also in neighboring areas, where most of the residents have gone to for help and safety.

Smart has put up Libreng Tawag stations at evacuation centers in Iligan City, and assisted in distributing relief goods and personal hygiene kits at evacuation centers in Lanao del Norte.

Smart has also donated Php2 million worth of mobile services to soldiers deployed in Marawi, and has teamed up with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to provide communications support to civil military operations and rescue groups.

Smart, along with PLDT, is also providing Internet connectivity at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Operations Center in Iligan City.

Marawi situation poses risks to children’s well-being

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Iligan City --- Child-focused aid organization World Vision began its relief operations last June 8, 2017 after more than 200,000 people were forced to flee the city of Marawi in Mindanao.

“We have started distributing relief items to at least 1,000 families today. It is heart breaking and heart-warming at the same time but knowing that there are people standing with them brings them so much hope and comfort,” shares Associate Director for Operations Jocelyn Mariscal.

Child-focused aid organization World Vision begins its relief operations after more than 200,000 people were forced to flee the city of Marawi in Mindanao. At least 1,000 displaced families now sheltering in evacuation centres and in their relatives' house were provided with hygiene kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, laundry soap, bath soap, undergarment, malong or tube skirt, sanitary pads) and non-food items like blanket, mosquito net and plastic mat.

Child-focused aid organization World Vision begins its relief operations after more than 200,000 people were forced to flee the city of Marawi in Mindanao. At least 1,000 displaced families now sheltering in evacuation centres and in their relatives' house were provided with hygiene kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, laundry soap, bath soap, undergarment, malong or tube skirt, sanitary pads) and non-food items like blanket, mosquito net and plastic mat.

The relief items include hygiene kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, undergarment for men and women, bath soap, laundry soap, sanitary pads, nail cutter, malong or tube skirt) and non-food items like blanket, mosquito net and plastic mat. The distribution catered to those who are in evacuation centres and the home-based (those living with relatives) internally displaced families in Sta. Elena, Iligan City.

The clash started on May 23 after the Philippine Army conducted a raid operation in Marawi City where an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader was hiding. The government forces were met by gunfire coming from ASG’s local armed allies the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Maute group. This escalated to a massive firefight causing 175 deaths and displacing thousands of people. The still on-going clash has also affected 132 schools and more than 22,000 school children, said Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao-Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team (ARMM-HEART).

World Vision hopes to reach at least 10,000 people or 2,000 families. In the next days, child-friendly spaces will also be set up in two evacuation centres to provide psychological first aid to the children affected by the conflict.

The Child Friendly Spaces created by World Vision are designed to let the children play and have the opportunity to interact with other children. It helps to provide an opportunity for children to express themselves through art, play and also to connect with other children facing similar distressing experiences.

6-year old Husnia joins her mother in getting the relief items. Until today, she and her mother are still waiting to hear from her father who was left in Marawi when they left for Iligan City.

World Vision is now in close coordination with the Department of Education to provide 10 schools with Temporary Learning Centres (TLCs) and 18, 000 learner’s kits for the students.

“We thank all the donors and sponsors who have supported us in responding to the needs of the affected children and their families. We also continue to appeal for support as World Vision continues to work with the government and other humanitarian actors in providing aid to the people of Marawi,” says Acting National Director Rommel Fuerte.

To extend your help to the people displaced by Marawi crisis, visit www.worldvision.org.ph/help-people-marawi or call 372-77-77, for more information.

Globe operates relief drive for displaced Marawi residents

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Delivery of Globe relief goods to Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology

Globe Telecom has provided relief and communication assistance to Marawi residents who evacuated to a nearby town in Iligan City after a clash between the alleged ISIS backed-Maute group and the Philippine Army erupted in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur late last month.

“We sympathize with our kababayans who are displaced by the armed conflict in Marawi City. To do our share of helping those who are seeking refuge from this situation, we continue to support humanitarian efforts both of the government and the private sector through relief operations and provision of free calls to the evacuees,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe SVP for Corporate Communications.

The Globe Store in Iligan City, led by its retail manager Anna Irene Parcon, spearheaded the distribution of goods to the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) in Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) which currently houses more than 300 evacuees.

Globe Charging and Libreng Tawag station and some of the relief packages

A total of 210 food packages, 100 bags of toiletries/ biscuits, 100 pieces of towels, 50 pieces of sleeping mats and 50 pieces of blankets were sent over to Asst. Dean Sittie Pasandalan. Some food packs and sleeping items were allocated to Brgy. Tibanga Evacuation Center and Brgy. Balo-i Evacuation Center where affected families badly needed help.

Globe also set up Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging Stations and free wifi connections to serve evacuees who need to get in touch with their loved ones.

At the same time, Globe in coordination with the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) and other partners, provided 250 food packages such as bottled water, noodles, sardines, tuna and assorted biscuits to 250 family evacuees staying at Brgy Pantar, Lanao del Norte and Kiwalan, Iligan City.