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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Mayor Wes clarifies use of Valenzuela vehicle seen at airport

Mayor Wes clarifies use of Valenzuela vehicle seen at airport

Published Aug 31, 2026 10:33 am
Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian clarified on Sunday, Aug. 30, that a city government vehicle seen at the airport was used to transport Baby Ayla and her mother ahead of the child’s liver transplant in India.
A photo posted on a Facebook group page showing the Valenzuela City government vehicle at the airport. (Photo courtesy of Mayor Wes Gatchalian)
A photo posted on a Facebook group page showing the Valenzuela City government vehicle at the airport. (Photo courtesy of Mayor Wes Gatchalian)
The clarification came after a Facebook post questioned why a Valenzuela City vehicle marked “Strictly for Official Use Only” was seen at the airport.
Gatchalian said the passengers were Baby Ayla and her mother, who were being assisted by the city government for their trip abroad.
“Isang paglilinaw lang po, ang sakay ay si Baby Ayla at nanay niya (Just to clarify, the passengers were Baby Ayla and her mother),” he said.
Baby Ayla, a Valenzuela resident diagnosed with biliary atresia, left for India on Sunday for an urgent liver transplant.
Baby Ayla with her parents and a CSWDO official at the airport departure area before their flight to India. (Photo from Valenzuela LGU)
Baby Ayla with her parents and a CSWDO official at the airport departure area before their flight to India. (Photo from Valenzuela LGU)
Baby Ayla and her parents at the airport departure area before their flight to India. (Photo from Valenzuela LGU)
Baby Ayla and her parents at the airport departure area before their flight to India. (Photo from Valenzuela LGU)
The city government earlier provided financial assistance for the family’s airfare and hotel accommodation during the child’s operation and recovery in India.
The assistance was coordinated through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
The city had also previously extended medical assistance to Baby Ayla’s family in October 2025, while the CSWDO continued monitoring the case in March 2026.
Doctors had recommended an urgent liver transplant. Although assistance through a foundation partner at the Chinese General Hospital was initially considered, the family later decided to have the procedure in India.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/25/valenzuela-govt-supports-baby-aylas-liver-transplant-in-india
Gatchalian also reminded the public to verify information before sharing posts online.
“Huwag pong maging bahagi ng pagkalat ng fake news o maling impormasyon. Mag-verify muna bago mag-share (Please do not be part of spreading fake news or misinformation. Verify information first before sharing),” he said.
The city government also asked the public to pray for Baby Ayla’s safe journey, successful transplant, and recovery.

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METRONEWS Valenzuela City Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie \"Wes\" Gatchalian
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