Over 100 stranded NAIA passengers brought to Philippine Army Wellness Center

A total of 128 stranded passengers waiting for available flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) were brought to the Philippine Army Wellness Center in Fort Bonifacio temporarily as of Saturday.

According to Army spokesman Colonel Ramon Zagala, the military responded to the order of President Rodrigo Duterte to help the stranded passengers.

Some Filipinos have been staying outside the NAIA terminals for days as they wait for word whether they can be accommodated in flights to their home provinces.

"Nagbigay ng utos na tulungan natin ang ating mga stranded na kababayan," Zagala said in an interview with Dobol B sa News TV.

Zagala said the passengers were brought to the Army gym.

"Itong ating gynasium, nakita natin na maaari nating magamit para matulungan ang ating mga kababayan," he said.

Zagala said the Philippine Army will provide food to the passengers and will bring them to NAIA once their flights are confirmed.

Col. Zagala: Maaari rin namin silang ihatid sa NAIA kapag natuloy na ang kanilang flights. https://t.co/Jl7zdrja0g

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) June 13, 2020

"Mayroon po tayong medical personnel na narito," he added.

The passengers underwent rapid testing and medical protocols facilitated by the Army General Hospital before they were allowed to sleep in the gym.

Some of the passengers were duped by sellers of plane tickets.

Others had confirmed flights, but these were canceled, forcing the passengers to seek shelter under trees and under the expressway.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines based in the National Capital Region coordinated with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to provide portalets while airline companies, the Department of Transportation and the Department of the Interior and Local Government are already addressing the situation.

Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano on Friday said the locally stranded individuals (LSIs) do not experience hunger as they were provided assistance by the local and national government. —KG, GMA News