The British ambassador to Manila has announced to Britons in the Philippines that the deadline to book their tickets back to London is at 5pm today Manila time.
“This is a message for British travellers in the Philippines who have not yet booked tickets for our special flights leaving tomorrow, the 7th of April. Please book your tickets now. We will not be able to accept any further reservations until 5pm today that is local Philippine time,” UK Ambassador Daniel Pruce said on a video message posted at Twitter.
Pruce said the British and Philippine governments have already mobilized resources to mount special flights for stranded British nationals.
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“I understand some of you have not yet booked in the hope there will be more opportunities later on. Let me stress, there are no more plans for further British government flights after tomorrow. This is it,” Ambassador Pruce furthered.
However, there are Britons who are having difficulties such as being stranded in remote locations or are being stopped at checkpoints in the provinces.
Pruce said the British Embassy will help them and they will issue documents that would allow them to exit through the checkpoints. But if Britons bought a ticket and is still prevented at the checkpoints, they can apply for a refund.
“Everyone, please don’t miss this opportunity. Something better will not come along.. Now is your last chance,” he added.
Dear Brit travellers, please book your ticket for our special flights by 5pm TODAY. There are no plans for further British Government flights. Don’t delay, book now. Thanks. Daniel
The BBC said four flights have been chartered by the UK Embassy that will bring British stranded tourists from Palawan, Cebu, Bohol and Siargao. They will connect to Manila’s main airport and fly onwards to London’s Heathrow airport. The total cost per passenger, regardless of where they are flying from, is £1,000 ($1,220).
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin retweeted Pruce’s message with a comment: “Hi, there British friends; listen to this; you asked for it you’re getting it; don’t miss it. It was near impossible to arrange that flight. So puhleese book now!”
Hi, there British friends; listen to this; you asked for it you're getting it; don't miss it. It was near impossible to arrange that flight. So puhleese book now! https://t.co/eGNIie256y
— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) April 6, 2020
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Actress Bela Padilla likewise made a similar appeal in her Twitter account.
Hi! Happy Monday! ❤️ To those who need to fly back home to the UK, there is a special flight leaving soon and you have until 5pm today to book your tickets. Please refer to the British ambassadors tweet/announcement below: https://t.co/oiCzmsxksq
— Bela Padilla (@padillabela) April 6, 2020
Watch a video of a couple of British tourists who are stranded in Angeles City, Pampanga:
