PGMA cancels Banaue trip
April 7, 2009 11:49 pm
MANILA, April 8 — With the fate of presidential aides still unknown, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has cancelled her scheduled trip Wednesday to Banaue to check the construction of Halsema highway.
Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the President called off the trip and noted that she is personally monitoring and supervising the search and rescue operations.
"Pupunta sana si Presidente sa Banaue ngayon para inspect ang Halsema highway at dahil na din po sa request residents doon na makipagdialogue sa kanya para matapos na this year (The President is supposed to go there today to inspect Halsema highway and to hold dialogues with residents who want to have this project finished by yearend)," Remonde said.
"The President, being the leader that she is, is personally monitoring the event and supervising the search and rescue operations," he added.
Remonde confirmed last night that a Bell 412 aircraft with tail number 1946 was missing.
On board were Press Undersecretary Jose Capadocia, undersecretary for presidential appointments Malou Frostrum, Assistant Secretary Perlita Bandayanon, and President Arroyo's senior military aide Brig. Gen. Carlos Clet.
The team was supposed to conduct an ocular inspection for President Arroyo's visit.
"These people are the people who work for the President every day," he said.
The chopper left Loakan airport at past 4 p.m. Tuesday and was expected to land in Banaue in about an hour. (PNA) LDV/jmc
Comments