2 Filipino seafarers among passengers of Korean plane in Cebu; Korean Air apologizes

2 Filipino seafarers among passengers of Korean plane in Cebu; Korean Air apologizes
Jun Marcos Tadios October 24, 2022 https://mb.com.ph/2022/10/24/2-filipino-seafarers-among-passengers-of-ko...

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has instructed its attached agencies to assist the two Filipino seafarers onboard Korean Air flight KE631 that overran Mactan-Cebu International Airport’s runway, late evening on Sunday, Oct. 23.

In a press statement, DMW Secretary Susan Ople said officials of the Overseas Welfare Workers Administration (OWWA) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) have already extended necessary help to the passengers.

Ople also confirmed that the two seafarers were safe.

“I have directed OWWA and POEA to assist OFWs who may be affected, especially with flight cancelations, etc. Per @OWWA official, there were two seafarers onboard the plane that overshot the runway. Both OFWs are okay,” said Ople in her press statement.

She also asked DMW officials to monitor and assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with inbound flights to Cebu.

“All DMW Posts overseas have also been instructed to monitor and assist OFWs with inbound flights to Cebu given the cancelation of flights,” Ople said.

Operations at the Mactan Cebu Int’l Airport have been suspended temporarily after a Korean Air flight overshot its runway at about 11 p.m. on Sunday.

Korean Air flight KE631, which had 162 passengers and 11 crews on board, overshot Runway 04 of the Mactan Cebu International Airport while landing, according to Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LLCDRRMO).

Meanwhile, Korean Air president Keehong Woo apologized for the incident.

“A thorough investigation will be performed together with the local aviation authorities and Korean authorities to determine the cause(s) of this event. We always prioritize safety in all of our operations, and we truly regret the stress and inconvenience brought to our passengers,” said Keehong in a statement.

“We remain committed to standing behind our promise of safe operations and will do our very best to institute measures to prevent any recurrence. Our overall goal is for our valued guests to trust that Korean Air will treat them well, and honor us with the opportunity to welcome them once again,” he added.