we always invoke the concept of secularity, i.e. the separation of Church and State. with this latest move, don't you guys think that the Philippines is really secular only paper? :dunno:


Pinoy pilgrims might ride C-130 to attend Hajj
abs-cbnnews.com

Filipino Muslim pilgrims will have to take a ride on a Philippine Air Force Plane C-130 for the Hajj this year should there be a shortage of commercial airline flights to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Sulu 1st District Rep. Yusop Jikiri, who is the Amerull Hajj for this year's pilgrims, said he has received assurance from President Arroyo that the PAF's C-130 plane will be made available to Filipino Muslims who wish to perform Hajj this year.

"Hopefully, all our pilgrims can make it to Saudi Arabia," Jikiri said. He said the first delegation of pilgrims will leave for Saudi Arabia on November 11.

Many Filipino Muslims may miss the Hajj this year due to lack of flights to Saudi Arabia. Earlier reports said the Saudi Embassy will only grant visas to pilgrims who have a roundtrip ticket with Saudia Airlines.

However, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Wali said the embassy will grant a visa to any pilgrim who has a roundtrip ticket regardless of what airline the pilgrim is taking.

Jikiri earlier asked the President to intervene to persuade the Saudi embassy to provide the appropriate measures to help Filipino Muslims fulfill this obligatory act of worship.

All the parties concerned have agreed to adopt measures aimed at ensuring a smooth and orderly movement of the pilgrims.

its fine with me, its a good hearts and minds effort on the part of the AFP to win over our Muslim brothers.

An uncle who awas able to ride the Herc on his pilgrimage might be able to convince his young nephew not to join the terrorrists. :thumb:

Sounds good but not logically possible as our AirForce only have one C130 aircraft. We need the capability of the last /only C130 for humanitarian and military operations for the whole Armed Forces.

I think the best thing to do for those PILGRIMS with the help of the Philippine Government to negotitate is to Hire a Chartered flight using the Private-Owned Russian Antonov AN124 Heavy Airlift Aircraft to fly them to Saudi Arabia- Back and Forth.

Or made special flight arrangements with the Philippines Airlines to fly PILGRIMS to Saudi Arabia.

No civilians must be allowed access to the
C-130's or any other PAF aircrafts without permission
from the PAF Chief.
Only in emergency cases like in rescue misions must
the civilians allowed up close to the PAF aircrafts.
No pictures shall be allowed close to
PAF aircrafts or any other AFP hardware/bases
without approval from the AFP/DND.

:fire:

Explain why?

That's the rule i think in the AFP in
all branches.
Those aircrafts or equipment must be carefully
stored or kept as government property,
not for public viewing.
As the zookeeper always says "Do not feed the Lions" :fire: