Some of the stranded passengers now staying at the Philippine Army Wellness Center in Taguig. PHOTO FROM PHILIPPINE ARMY
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Army provided temporary accommodation for the stranded airline passengers who stayed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
The passengers were set to fly Saturday but have nowhere to stay and instead camped out near the terminal gates of NAIA.
In coordination with the Pasay City Police and Overseas Workers Welfare Association, the soldiers were able to transport 128 stranded individuals to the Philippine Army Wellness Center where they also underwent rapid testing for COVID-19.
Personnel from the Army General Hospital also administered additional medical protocols to the stranded individuals who then occupied the sleeping areas in the gymnasium.
Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, the Philippine Army Commanding General, said that it’s the direction of President Rodrigo Duterte to extend needed assistance to stranded workers who are unable to go home due to limited public transport.
“Upon the direction of President Duterte and as part of our COVID-19 response, we extend the appropriate assistance to stranded workers who wanted to be with their families but are unable to do so because of limited public transportation,” said Gapay.
“We will provide them with shelter and other basic necessities until their flights become available.”
The 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division also provided transport to stranded students of University of the Philippines-Los Baños after its administration reached out to the Army in March after classes were suspended due to lockdown.
In May, the 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division also helped UPLB students with their transport back to their respective homes.