Stranded in Cebu due to COVID-19, traveler finally flies to Manila

A traveler who was stranded in Cebu for three months due to COVID-19 was finally able to return to Manila on Saturday, according to a report by Raffy Tima on 24 Oras Weekend.

Though Jeffrey Cruz was able to schedule a flight on June 1, this was canceled twice amid the threat of the COVID-19.

"Syempre medyo, ano po 'yun, nakakalungkot kasi, kumbaga, expected mo na, ano, parang naka-mindset ka na makakapiling mo 'yung pamilya mo sa araw na 'yun," Cruz said.

On his third attempt to leave, Cruz said he was relieved to even set foot at the airport.

"Medyo nakahinga na ng maluwag kasi siguro tuloy na tuloy na ito. Okay lang po na ma-delayed basta makauwi pa rin po ngayong araw," Cruz said.

Though the number of flights was increasing, their schedules keep changing. If these are not canceled, the flights will be delayed.

According to the Manila International Airport Authority, normal operations in airports were not yet possible.

At present, almost all passengers are returning OFWs, locally stranded individuals, or those who have been stranded due to the lockdown.

Meanwhile, more than 100 OFWs are desperate to return to Davao after being stranded at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2.

According to John Consulta's report, some of the OFWs have been waiting three days at the airport in the hopes of catching a flight.

"Andoon 'yung pamilya namin, sir, anong gagawin namin dito? Wala na po kaming pera," an OFW said.

"Nakiusap kami sa aming Pangulong Duterte na sana makauwi kami sa Davao, kami lahat," another said. — Joahna Lei Casilao/DVM, GMA News