Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang disputed Vice President Sara Duterte’s remarks that the government could simply deploy aircraft to the Middle East to bring home overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the ongoing conflict.
In a radio interview on DZBB, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government cannot easily send planes to the region because several airspaces remain closed amid rising tensions.
Castro said President Bongbong Marcos Jr. had raised this concern during a meeting with officials discussing the safety of Filipinos in the Middle East.
“Narinig ko po ‘yan, na parang napakadali lang at hindi raw problema ang magpadala ng eroplano sa ganoong sitwasyon. Actually po, noong nag-meeting kami, ang unang-una pong naalala ng pangulo ay ipaalam sa lahat na hindi po ganoon kadali magpadala ng eroplano,” Castro said.
[Translation: I heard those remarks suggesting that sending an airplane in that situation is easy and not a problem. In fact, when we had a meeting, the first thing the president pointed out was to let everyone know that it is not that easy to send an airplane.]
“Unang-una po, kapag sarado ang airspace, hindi ka po talaga makakalipad. Kaya imposible po ‘yung sinasabi ng Bise Presidente na madaling magpadala ng eroplano,” she said.
[Translation: First of all, when the airspace is closed, you really cannot fly. That is why what the vice president is saying – that it is easy to send a plane – is impossible.]
Castro added that the administration is prioritizing the safety of Filipinos before arranging evacuation flights, particularly while missiles and airstrikes continue in parts of the region.
“Habang nagliliparan po ang mga missile na ‘yan, baka lalo lamang malagay sa kapahamakan ang ating mga kababayan. Siguraduhin lang po na kung sila ay ililipad, ligtas ang kanilang buhay,” she said.
[Translation: While those missiles are flying, our fellow Filipinos could be placed in greater danger. We must ensure that if they are transported, their lives will be safe.]
Duterte earlier said the government could easily charter flights to repatriate Filipinos affected by the Middle East conflict, citing her experience as mayor of Davao City during the COVID-19 pandemic when the local government funded a commercial flight to transport stranded passengers.
