Fully healed soldiers who were returning for combat duty in Marawi were flown via commercial flights for free, the military said.
“Eleven WIA soldiers were flown from Manila via four separate Cebu Pacific flights on Monday. The soldiers were released from confinement at the Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig,” Army spokesperson Ltc. Ray Tiongson said in a statement.
They are the first batch of wounded troops to be flown for free as they report to their respective units before returning to full active duty status.
“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,” Tiongson said.
Wounded troops who are fit for commercial flights can be accommodated on Cebu Pacific flights from Cagayan de Oro and to any of the 37 domestic destinations of the airline for free. They are also given a 40 kilogram baggage allowance each.
All soldiers and policemen of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police deployed to Mindanao, or flying within Mindanao, are granted a free 40 kg allowance as long as they can show valid mission orders and their AFP and PNP ID cards. Frances Mangosing