12 February 2004 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert has instructed Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Libran N. Cabactulan to ensure that every assistance is extended to the Filipino survivor of the crash of Kish Air Flight 7170 (IRK 7170).

Mr. Jorge Cruz was the only survivor among the Filipino passengers of the ill-fated flight. He was rushed to Al-Qassimi Hospital in critical condition but has since stabilized.

“I have instructed Ambassador Cabactulan to extend all possible assistance to Mr. Cruz and his relatives in light of this tragedy,” the Secretary said.

Secretary Albert also confirmed reports that there were two other Filipinos who perished in the crash.

“The initial flight manifest given to our Embassy only listed two Filipinos, but apparently, two more were allowed on board as chance passengers at the last minute,” Secretary Albert explained.

 Two bodies have been positively identified as those of the Filipino passengers. A fourth Filipino has yet to be positively identified from among the crash victims.

“Aviation experts from the UAE and Iran yesterday began investigating the crash of flight 7170 and we are eager to hear their findings,” according to Secretary Albert.

The Fokker 50 twin-turboprop aircraft crashed on Tuesday as it was coming in to land in Sharjah, leaving just three survivors.

“As we convey our sympathies to the relatives of the deceased, I would also like to assure them of our full assistance.”

The Head of Sharjah’s civil aviation authority Abdul Wahab Mohammed Al Roomi identified the survivors as an Iranian, an Egyptian and Mr. Cruz. Al Roomi also said that they have handed over the plane’s two flight recorders or “black boxes” to the Emirates civil aviation authority, the only official body authorized to investigate aircraft accidents.

The Secretary hailed the decision of UAE authorities to cancel a rule requiring expatriates to leave the country to change their visas, after more than 30 workers on a visa change trip were killed in a plane crash.

Under UAE regulations, expatriates, who make up 85 percent of the population of 3.8 million, need to briefly leave the country to switch employers or change visit visas into residence permits.

The official Wam news agency of the UAE quoted President Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as instructing the council of ministers to issue the necessary regulations and directives and to cancel the exit requirement.

“This change in visa rules will not only remove a great inconvenience to our workers but will also contribute to their safety,” the Secretary said. - END