PAL to fly hijacker's body to Davao today

DAVAO CITY -- The body of the hijacker of a Philippine Airlines (PAL) plane will be flown here today from Manila on the same type of aircraft from which he jumped to his death last May 25.

The hijacker, Reginald Trance Chua alias Augusto Lakandula, parachuted over Antipolo City in Rizal after divesting the passengers of their money. His body was found in the forest in Real town in Quezon province the following day. He hijacked the plane after sneaking in a pistol, a grenade, and a parachute.

Arturo Balaga, PAL's Davao branch manager, told The STAR yesterday Chua's relatives wanted PAL to carry Chua's remains even if they could have chosen other airlines that fly the same route.

"We will still carry his remains as long as his relatives will pay the right rates," he said. "It is purely business. We have been carrying the cadavers of other people, there is no reason why we should refuse the Chuas in spite of what happened."

Earlier, reports said PAL would refuse to fly Chua's body.

Chua's remains are expected to arrive here at 11 a.m. today, and would be taken immediately to his hometown in Barangay Bangkal, Matan-ao, Davao del Sur, about 100 kilometers from here.

Mrs. Lucia Chua, 53, said her son's body was not released by a funeral parlor in Manila until her relatives had submitted some documents.

"We had to comply with requirements before they allowed us to bring his body home," she said.

Meanwhile, the Aviation Security Group has tightened security at Davao International Airport following Chua's hijacking of PAL Flight 812.

Chief Inspector Bertrand Gido said airline passengers are now being frisked and their baggage inspected thrice before they are allowed to board.

Passengers are required to pass through two electronic walk-throughs and two X-ray machines, one at the entrance before check-in and another at the door leading to the pre-departure area on the second floor of the airport, he added.