News briefs

 Flights cancelled due to Naia radar system upgrade

AT least 51 domestic flights were cancelled yesterday to allow the upgrading of the radar system of the  Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

In a statement, Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) vice president for marketing, said the radar system upgrade started at noon yesterday and is expected to be completed at 6 a.m. today.

She said 22 CEB domestic flights were cancelled yesterday including six flights to and from Cebu.

Also cancelled were CEB flights to and from Manila and  Cagayan de Oro, Caticlan, Cotabato, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Naga and Tuguegarao.

“CEB guests on flights cancelled because of the radar system upgrade in Manila have the option to rebook with no penalties, for travel within 30 days, or get full travel fund or full refund,” Iyog said.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) also cancelled flights for both PAL and PAL Express. About 29 domestic flights of both airline companies were affected.

PAL Express cancelled 17 flights since yesterday while 11 PAL flights were suspended including six flights to and from Cebu yesterday and two flights to and from Cebu today.

PAL’s Visayas Sales and Services department said affected passengers may either claim for a refund or rebooking of their flights to another schedule.

“PAL and PAL Express will waive rebooking and fare difference charges. Please take note that refunds and rebookings will be processed within 7 days from the original date of departure,” their statement said. Reporter Aileen Garcia-Yap

Manadue horror booth cancelled

MANDAUE City’s annual horror booth event held for the benefit of indigent children was cancelled as an aftermath of the Oct. 15 earthquake.

“We still don’t know how strong the aftershocks will be. For the past days, we have experienced 5.1 or 4.9 magnitude.  We are after the safety of our cast and guests,” Sarah Walker-Cortes, wife of Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, said. The mayor’s wife chairs the  Mandaue Council for the Protection of Children (MCCPC).

The council in cooperation with the Kaabag Foundation, annually holds the horror-themed event with the theme “Kahadlok Mo, Pinaskuhan Ko.”

Proceeds of the horror booth will be used to fund a Christmas party for all indigent children in the city.

Mrs. Cortes said they will still hold  a Christmas party for the indigent children on Dec. 20.

About 650 indigent children from 27 barangays and another 100 children from Mandaue City Central School will join the party.

Each will get a pair of slippers, t-shirt, grocery items, school supplies and balloons.

“It may not be grand but as much as possible, we want it to be special for the children,” she said. Reporter Jucell Marie P. Cuyos