Air Force: We can get everyone out of Tacloban

From ABS-CBN (Nov 15): Air Force: We can get everyone out of Tacloban

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is willing to take everyone out of Tacloban, but typhoon survivors need to be patient and wait for available aircraft and flights.

In an interview on DZMM, PAF spokesperson Col. Miguel Okol said the Air Force has limited number of planes and trips.

He was told of complaints from survivors in Tacloban. Several people were separated from their families, while some said they have been waiting for a few days and yet, they were still not allowed to leave.

Each C-130 plane can take around 120 to 130 passengers, and priority is give to those who are injured, sick or disabled, children, and the elderly.

"Kung maraming C-130, wala nang pinipili," Okol added.

As of present, the Philippines has three C-130 cargo planes. The US sent 9 C-130 planes, Australia sent 2, Indonesia sent another 2, while Singapore deployed one.

Several countries have also sent helicopters to be used for relief operations.

However, due to limitations of both the Tacloban Airport and the Villamor Air Base, only a limited number of planes can use the airport at any given time.

Okol also said each plane's turnaround depends on how fast relief goods can be taken out, and how fast passengers can get in the plane.

He assured the victims that the Air Force will consider all the complaints received and will improve the system of transporting people out of Tacloban.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/11/14/13/air-force-we-can-get-everyone-out-tacloban