AFP thanks AirAsia for soldiers’ free baggage allowance, meals

Passengers bound for Mindanao troop to the AirAsia check in counter. INDAY RAKEL PHOTO

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday expressed its gratitude to AirAsia Philippines for giving free baggage allowance and in-flight meals to soldiers on peace-keeping missions.

READ: AirAsia PH to give soldiers free baggage allowance, snacks

“We say the AFP is truly grateful to AirAsia led by Capt. Dexter Comendador for extending the privileges to soldiers availing of that airline,” AFP public affairs chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a briefing.

A Facebook post of a certain Inday Rakel turned viral for sharing how AirAsia passengers helped three soldiers on their way to Marawi City and Cotabato with their excess luggage. The soldiers’ luggage was heavy because of their uniforms and other military paraphernalia.

Because of the incident, AirAsia led by its CEO Capt. Comendador offered free baggage allowance of up to 40 kilograms and in-flight meals to military personnel on their way to deployment as a recognition for their sacrifices and heroism.

Soldiers usually use a C-130 cargo plane for large deployments, but they also take commercial flights when they travel as individuals or small groups.

“The use of airlines is one of the fastest ways in which our soldiers can use to go to their respective duties and report for their assignments,” Arevalo said.

He said this will definitely “motivate and inspire soldiers who on their way to their mission.”

“The AFP chief expresses gratitude for this heartwarming manifestation of support,” Arevalo said. Frances G. Mangosing / JPV