In observance of the Holy Week, the Philippine News Agency’s online news service will be off on March 29, Good Friday, and March 30, Black Saturday. Normal operations will resume on March 31, Easter Sunday.

— The Editors

Army sends off 102 locally stranded individuals

By Priam Nepomuceno

June 19, 2020, 1:42 pm

<p><strong>SAFE TRAVEL.</strong> Army commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay (center) leads the send-off of 102 locally stranded individuals (LSIs) who temporarily stayed at the Philippine Army Wellness Center in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday (June 19, 2020). The Army earlier opened its facilities to provide shelter to LSIs whose flights were earlier canceled due to quarantine restrictions. <em>(Photo courtesy of the Army Chief Public Affairs Office)</em></p>

SAFE TRAVEL. Army commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay (center) leads the send-off of 102 locally stranded individuals (LSIs) who temporarily stayed at the Philippine Army Wellness Center in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday (June 19, 2020). The Army earlier opened its facilities to provide shelter to LSIs whose flights were earlier canceled due to quarantine restrictions. (Photo courtesy of the Army Chief Public Affairs Office)

MANILA – Some 102 locally stranded individuals (LSIs) who were provided shelter by the Philippine Army (PA) were finally able to fly back to their home provinces on Friday.

This after the PA coordinated with airline companies to schedule the flight of some of the LSIs' temporarily housed at the Philippine Army Wellness Center (PAWC) at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The Army transported 102 LSIs to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City.

"We hope for your safe travel as you return to your families, to your homes,” PA chief, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said in a speech before sending off the LSIs.

Aside from this batch, 52 LSIs have already been sent to their respective flights since the PA started accommodating them, Army spokesperson, Col. Ramon Zagala said in a statement.

Another 47 LSIs are currently being processed and will first undergo an initial screening and coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) rapid testing prior to accommodation.

The PA opened the PAWC, the Army General Hospital (AGH), and specific areas at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani to cater to the LSIs, Zagala said.

The AGH is currently attending to six pregnant LSIs and two others showing signs of stress.

The PA has accommodated a total of 408 LSIs since June 13. (PNA)

Comments