ZAMBOANGA CRISIS: PAL FLIGHTS CANCELLED AND OTHER ISSUES @ SEPTEMBER 2013

from Facebook and from PAL Express Website http://www.facebook.com/flyPAL/posts/10151859976030867

PAL Advisory September 10, 2013 (As of 8PM)

PAL flights to Zamboanga remain cancelled for September 11 and 12 (Wednesday and Thursday) after the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) extended the closure of Zamboanga airport due to ongoing insurgent activities in the city. Cancelled are 20 flights from Zamboanga going to Manila, Cebu, Tawi-Tawi, Jolo and Davao.

These include:

• All Manila-Zamboanga-Manila flights for September 11 and 12
• All flights operating in and out of Zamboanga for Sept. 11, namely 
• Cebu - Zamboanga - Cebu
• Zamboanga - Tawi-Tawi - Zamboanga
• Zamboanga - Jolo - Zamboanga
• Zamboanga - Davao - Zamboanga

Affected passengers are advised not to proceed to the airport; instead call PAL/PAL Express Reservations hotlines (02) 855-8888 or (02) 855-9000 or proceed to any PAL or PAL Express ticket office for rebooking or refund assistance. Rebooking penalties will be waived.

PAL has cancelled a total of 33 flights to/from Zamboanga since September 9, affecting more than 2,500 passengers.

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It is not only PAL's advisory but also that of Cebu Pacific.

This is the first time that I am ever bothered by news like this!

First of all, because we have a scheduled trip.

And second, I can never imagine what situation would ever bring about this advisory to any place!  This usually indicates worse scenarios.

I know at this time, there are many of us in this confusing circumstance... all needing to leave...worried about the present crisis...feeling sorry for the opportunities lost and the expenses incurred, directly or indirectly!

This will be the third and fourth day for the cancellation of flights... and it is uncertain when the cancellation will be lifted.

In my mind: "THY WILL BE DONE!".... NO MATTER WHAT WE WANT, IF IT IS NOT FOR US, IT WILL NEVER BE!

On the other hand: "WHEN GOD CLOSES A DOOR, HE OPENS A WINDOW"... THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SOMETHING GREAT THAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER THIS ADVERSITY!

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Update: September 11, 2013 Now, we know why we couldn't leave. Today, in Ciudad Medical Zamboanga, there is a scare since firing shots are heard so close to the hospital. Then, there is a rush of people seeking refuge in the hospital. Temporary chaos and panic from the outside, coming into the hospital in the midst of the skirmish, but then, well-managed. We realize that hospital staff really have a higher tolerance to fear and danger situations. The staff have to quell the cries, the tears and the anxiety of the people running for their lives!!! If we indeed left Zamboanga City, we would have been so worried about CMZ's situation and we know who much we are needed at this time of danger.

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Update: September 13, 2013

We are now really alarmed... although, exchange of fire is not heard today. FLIGHTS ARE STILL CANCELLED up to September 16, 2013 and still indefinite! Today, we hear there are people in the airport waiting, since there is supposed to be  a C130 flight to bring people out of Zamboanga City, but that can only accommodate about 100 people at a time.  There are many people who have the intention of joining the Hadj and so you can imagine how many people really need these flights... aside from the many others who are stranded in the City.  So sad for those who are not from Zamboanga City and have to stay on... fortunate only if they belong to companies who continue to support them. One of our choices was to take a road trip to Dipolog or any other point in Mindanao just to take their next flight out.

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Mayor Vitaliano Agan Avenue (known as Nuñez Extension), Zamboanga City

#ALL WE NEED IS PEACE #PRAY FOR ZAMBOANGA