LSIs camping out on the street allowed inside NAIA for now

Some travelers stranded on the street outside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 were finally allowed in at the airport on Thursday. But authorities clarified those with flight schedules still too far out will soon have to leave the premises.

According to Raffy Tima's report on "24 Oras," the locally stranded individuals (LSIs) were allowed to stay at an air-conditioned holding area inside the airport where they were given food. Though they had to sleep  on the floor, the LSIs said it was better to stay there than endure the heat, rain, or fumes outside.

Aileen Pragados, an LSI who was among those camping out at a waiting shed on Andrews Avenue in Pasay, looked as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

Pragados on Wednesday pleaded with Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to allow her to enter the terminal as her flight was scheduled on the same day.

Though she was eventually allowed in, Pragados said her flight has been moved to the end of the month.

"Kasi gusto po namin sanang makauwi ng mas madali kaysa sa July 26 na lalong tatagal po," Pragados said.

However, the management of the terminal said that if their flights were still far out, they may be brought to a temporary shelter as authorities are prioritizing LSIs whose flight schedules are sooner.

"Posibleng kunin po kayo ulit ng Coast Guard para doon kayo ilagay sa Army gym until such time baka ibalik na kayo dito, a day before, or the day exact, ng flights niyo," Police Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Asuncion, NAIA police station chief, said. -Joahna Lei Casilao/MDM, GMA News