MANILA, Philippines (Updated 6:36 p.m.) — Two airlines offered flexible options for its passengers as ongoing demonstrations continued to block traffic in Davao City.
In an advisory, budget carrier said it is aware of the blockade disrupting access to Davao International Airport, also known as Francisco Bangoy International Airport. Hundreds of supporters and members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) are staging a protest against police operations at the church-owned compound to arrest their founder, alleged sex offender and human trafficker Apollo Quiboloy, along with his four companions.
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The protest follows the failed police operation on Saturday, August 24, when approximately 2,000 officers attempted to serve warrants of arrest against Quiboloy and his co-accused.
The protesters are calling for "justice" for KOJC and are urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to step down from his position.
Affected roads. They have occupied both lanes of the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway in Davao City, causing traffic disruptions and road closures in areas near the compound.
The 30-hectare KOJC Central Compound is located in Buhangin, Davao City, near Davao International Airport.
Despite the tensions in the city, the Philippine National Police stated on Sunday evening that Davao City is not under lockdown, despite reports claiming that entry points had been sealed off.
Carrriers’ response. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines advised their passengers to allow extra time for their travel to the airport, as they may experience longer travel times.
Cebu Pacific offered flexible options, including free rebooking and travel funds, to passengers who wish to postpone their flights from Davao.
Passengers on the following flights scheduled for today, August 26, may choose any of the flight options up to two hours before their scheduled departure time:
- DG 6673: Davao – Zamboanga
- DG 6872: Davao – Siargao
- 5J 962: Davao – Manila
These can be availed through the Manage Booking portal of the carrier’s website on https://www.cebupacificair.com/manage-booking.
On the other hand, the flag carrier Philippine Airlines gave its passengers traveling to and from Davao the following options:
Convert ticket to Travel Credits equivalent to the unused segment of the ticket. Voucher validity is one year (1) year from date of issuance.
Rebook or Reroute ticket to another flight with available space within 60 days from the original flight in the same booking class or higher within the same cabin class.
Refund ticket without penalties, excluding Ticketing Service Charge
Possible changes. The airlines also informed passengers that some flight changes could still take place.
“Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights via https://www.cebupacificair.com/flight-status and update their contact details via the Manage Booking portal to receive email notifications on flight reminders and updates,” it said.
“Our immediate priority is to ensure the safety of our passengers, crew and staff,” the airline also said.
PAL said its passengers will be informed of the status of any flight changes via e-mail, telephone call or SMS/text messages if their contact your details are in its reservation records.
Passengers are encouraged to check the status of flights by logging on to http://www.philippineairlines.com and visit the Flight Status section of PAL’s website.
They can also be reached through the following channels:
- Hotline: (+632) 8539-0000 / (+632) 8855-8888
- Philippines Mobile: (+63) 919-056-2255
- Messenger: https://bit.ly/PALMessenger
- Viber: Search for Philippine Airlines
- WhatsApp: Add us as a new contact (+63) 998-951-4359
- myPAL Web Chat: https://bit.ly/PAL-Web-Chat
“We are closely monitoring the situation at Davao airport and will provide updates if needed. As always, your safety is our top consideration,” it said.