G.A. Viray
The private plane convoy carrying 12 government officials skidded off the Daniel Romualdez Airport in Tacloban just a few minutes after the plane carrying Pope Francis took off.
According to GMA News, Congressman Ferdinand Martin Romualdez of Leyte actually heard a loud explosion moments before the plane veered off the runway.
The private leer jet, which was rented by the government was identified as a Bombadier Global Express plane. It was set to leave the airport after the Pope leaves. It carried cabinet members and other government officials like Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr., Undersecretary Emmanuel Bautista and Congressman Ferdinand Romualdez of Leyte to make sure that the activities set during the Pope’s visit to Tacloban will be followed.
As of writing, Malacanang has already released a statement that everyone aboard the plane, including the three crew members are all safe and that their families have already been notified of the incident.
Interior Secretary Mar Roxas has already informed President Benigno as well of the said incident.
Tropical Depression Amang is now currently in the Eastern Visayas Region, which earlier has caused the Pope’s visit to Tacloban to be shortened.
