Capitol, PAL set sweeper flights for stranded persons

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Philippine Airlines organized sweeper flights for Locally Stranded Individuals and returning Negrenses from Manila on June 9,10, and 11.

The flight from Manila is at 11 am while Bacolod to Manila flights will be at 1 pm on the same dates, according to Negros Occidental Covid-19 Incident Command Center spokesperson Charina Magallanes-Tan.

Tan also said over the weekend that the re-opening of the Bacolod-Silay Airport will be moved to June 15, after the governor has made an agreement with flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL).

Tan further said to ensure that locally stranded individuals and returning Negrenses will be given priority in all flights, they will first organize sweeper flights.

“[The] province opted to cancel all inbound commercial flights. Outbound passengers will be at the sole control of PAL,” Tan said.

Tan said that with the scheme, they would be able to control the number of people coming in, and make sure that only stranded individuals and Negrenses will come home.

“No leisure travellers yet,” she added.

Tan said all individuals arriving at the airport will undergo mandatory real time-polymerase chain swab testing for COVID-19.

Last week, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, said commercial flights from Manila to Negros Occidental will resume on June 8.

The governor said the provincial government has discussed with representatives of airline companies the imposition of stricter health protocols at the airport to contain the spread of SARS-coV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.

Lacson said the airport will be equipped with thermal scanners that measure body temperature.