Air force plane on hand for Philippine Haj pilgrims

Zamboanga City: Filipino pilgrims to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, will have to fly aboard the Philippine Air Force Plane (PAF) C-130 for the Haj this year should there be a shortage of airline flights to Saudi Arabia.

Sulu's 1st District Rep Yusop Jikiri, who is the Amerull Haj for this year's pilgrimage, said President Gloria Arroyo has assured him after their meeting on November 3, that C-130 PAF plane will be made available to Filipino Muslims who wish to perform Haj this year.

A number of Filipino Muslims travelling for the Haj are at risk of losing the opportunity due to the lack of flights.