The soldiers comprise the first batch of wounded troops to be flown via commercial flights back to their respective units before returning to full active duty status.
Eleven WIA soldiers were flown from Manila via four separate Cebu Pacific flights on Monday, September 4, 2017. The soldiers were released from confinement at the Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.
"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,” said LTC Ray Tiongson, Army Chief Public Affairs.
WIA government troops who are fit enough for commercial flights can be accommodated on Cebu Pacific flights from Cagayan de Oro (Laguindingan Airport) or Manila, and flown to any of the 37 domestic destinations of CEB. On top of the free flights, the WIA soldiers were provided with a 40 kilogram baggage allowance each.
Cebu Pacific has also been granting free 40 kilogram baggage allowance to all soldiers and troops of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who are being deployed to Mindanao, or flying within Mindanao, provided they can show valid Mission Orders and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) or PNP Identification Cards.
"Support for the soldiers from the private sector continues to arrive where as of last month, more than 15 tons of goods in various items have been donated through the Army's Civil Military Operations Regiment," added Tiongson.
Last August 27, the Philippine Army turned over Financial Assistance checks to the families of the 68 fallen soldiers who fought for Marawi City amounting to Php1 Million each. The said Financial Assistance was donated to the Armed Forces of the Philippines by a number of philanthropists who wished to remain anonymous.#
