Church missionaries stranded in Pampanga return to Mindanao

ANGELES CITY --Some 28 missionaries belonging to the Ekklesia Church, who were stranded in Angeles City, Porac town and City of San Fernando finally returned home with the help of the Angeles City Police Office.

Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Vega, deputy director for administration of the city police, said they assisted the group to the Clark International Airport on June 8. On the same day, the missionaries arrived at the Cagayan De Oro City.

The police officer said 11 of them stayed in their church in Angeles City, 12 in City of San Fernando, and five in Porac town.

"Maraming salamat po at nakauwi na rin po sila matapos ang halos tatlong buwan ng pagkaka-stranded.

Thank you Dear Lord Jesus for making us instrumental to make the lives of our brethren, the missionaries of Ekklesia Church, a little bit easier after the ECQ" Vega said.

The police officer disclosed that the Christian church members were stranded in Pampanga since the start of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) enforced in Luzon on March 18.

The group thanked God and the police officials who helped them including Vega; Brigadier General Rhodel Sermonia, Central Luzon police director; and Colonel Joyce Patrick Sanggalang, Angeles City police director.

They also thanked their own churches in Pampanga and Misamis Oriental for arranging their return to their respective provinces.

They shared a bible verse, 1 Corinthians 1:3 which states "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ," to all of those who helped them while they were staying in Pampanga.

The group benefitted from the Rektang Bayanihan, Adopt a Family Program, Kapwa Ko Sagot Ko, and Libreng Sakay of the government.