Philippine Airlines to help in the repatriation of Filipinos from Syria

Malacañang welcome and appreciate the move of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) as it sworn to assist in the repatriation of Filipinos from Syria, which is now under crisis alert level 3.

“As the country’s national flag carrier, PAL has a sworn duty to assist in times of crises for the sake of our suffering kababayan," saidn PAL president and COO Jaime Bautista.

Bautista also said that PAL is ready to coordinate with the Philippine government to map out the repatriation plan aimed at ensuring the safe transport of Filipinos from so-called “danger zones" in Syria.

Meanwhile, at a press briefing Thursday, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda thanked the PAL management for its offer of help.

"We would like to thank the Philippine Airlines for their help. We are very, very thankful for the offer of the Philippine Airlines as they continue to support the government in its repatriation effort in Syria," he said.

On Tuesday the DFA raised the crisis alert level in Syria to level 3, in light of the continuing political tension there.

Under crisis alert level 3, voluntary repatriation at government's expense will be offered to Filipinos who wish to leave their troubled host-country.