GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
Major PHL airlines eye Japan mercy missions
At least two major Philippine air carriers on Thursday bared plans to mount rescue and mercy missions to quake- and tsunami-stricken Japan. While flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) said it will fly disaster relief supplies to Japan for free, Cebu Pacific Air said it is readying “rescue flights" to get Filipinos out of Japan. “This is part of our modest contribution to the international relief effort for the survivors of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Japan is one of our most important markets and this is but a small way of giving back to the affected communities," PAL president Jaime Bautista said in a news release on PAL's website. PAL said it will fly the relief supplies on its regular flights to Japan, but the amount of aid transported will depend on available space on its aircrafts. Also Cebu Pacific – upon prodding by visitors to its Facebook page to send a flight to Japan – said the airline company was already working with government agencies to get the needed permits for “rescue flights." “CEB [Cebu Pacific] is working with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) in obtaining the necessary permits and approvals in order to mount rescue flights to Japan," Cebu Pacific posted on its Facebook page Thursday night. “We have in fact communicated with the government that in case they need assistance, we are ready to help. There have been no requests made to date," it said. Cebu Pacific did not give further details about these “rescue flights." Emergency cargo eligible for free transport Meanwhile, PAL said it has mobilized its network of 20 domestic and 25 international points to stand ready to accept emergency cargo shipments bound for Japan. PAL will give priority to shipments organized by accredited charities, non-profit organizations and reputable civic groups. Shipments may also be consigned to PAL’s country manager in Japan, for distribution through PAL offices in the country. Specific items eligible for free transport include, in order of priority, include:
- Medicines for both pediatric and adult use, such as antipyretics, analgesics, cough and cold preparations, broad-spectrum antibiotics, topical ointments, various sizes of wound dressings and adhesive plasters or bandages, splints, sutures, and general surgery supplies.
- Flashlights and heavy-duty pocket knives, ropes for extrication and similar rescue devices.
- Water purification tablets.
- Waterproof lightweight tents, sleeping mats and folding camp stoves, but without the LPG or flammable material.
- Dense or compact high-nutrition-value food items, such as powdered milk or formula, dried beans and other legumes, canned meat or fish, dehydrated ready-to-eat meals, sugar or sugar substitutes, coffee, and wheat flour. (Note: Instant noodles are not a high-nutrition-value food item and are discouraged.)
- Lightweight thermal blankets, windbreakers, sweaters and thick socks in good condition.
- New underwear, preferably thermal, for all ages and genders.
