THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to instruct airlines to waive rebooking fees and provide full refunds, if requested by passengers, for all flights disrupted by Severe Tropical Storm “Opong”.
This is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s instruction to assist travelers affected by the inclement weather.
“Dapat wala ng rebooking fees at dapat waived na rin ang other fees, and kung ang option ng ating pasahero is to refund, dapat full refund,” Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said.
Lopez added that the CAB was also instructed to ensure airlines reach out directly to affected passengers.
“Ipinag-utos na rin natin sa Civil Aeronautics Board na ang ating mga airlines dapat kumontak na sa kanilang mga pasahero, para ipaalam kung ang kanilang mga flights ay kanselado o hindi,” he said.
The DOTr likewise directed airports to remain open and provide food and beverages to all stranded passengers.
“Ipinag-utos na po natin na dapat bukas ang ating mga airport para may masisilungan ang ating mga pasahero just in case ma-stranded ang ating mga pasahero, at mayroon din tayong mga pagkaing available [para sa kanila],” Lopez added.
On Friday, September 26, over 104 flights have been canceled so far under different airlines amid the threat of “Opong”.
Meanwhile, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are implementing a no-sail policy in ports to ensure passenger safety, the DOTR said.
For stranded travelers, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have been tasked to accommodate them and provide food and beverages.
The DOTr said it has been on heightened alert since September 25 in preparation for the typhoon.
More than 5,600 PCG personnel, 166 rescue boats, 122 vehicles, and several ships are on standby in areas expected to be affected by the storm.
“Nag-utos na rin po tayo na ang ating lahat ng ating Coast Guard ay naka-deploy na. Mayroon po tayong humigit kumulang na 5,600 personnel na dineploy sa sinasabi nating lugar na tatamaan ng bagyo,” Lopez stressed.
According to state weather bureau PAGASA in its 2 p.m. advisory, “Opong” made another landfall over Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro.
It is forecast to exit the Philippine area of responsibility Saturday afternoon. (ABS-CBN News)
