The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said it will still be strict in assessing Filipinos arriving in the Philippines from countries covered by restricted travel amid the reported new COVID-19 strain.
On December 30, three foreign nationals including two from Hong Kong and one from Canada tried to enter the Philippines but were barred by authorities upon arrival.
“They are former Filipinos… Even kasi yung mga (because even the) former Filipinos, they are covered by this ban if they are not dual citizens,” BI Spokesperson Dana Sandoval explained.
There are still commercial flights arriving from countries covered by the travel ban, but the BI assured that only Filipinos will be allowed to enter the Philippines and that each passenger will undergo testing and a 14-day quarantine period.
Meanwhile, airlines and the Manila International Airport Authority remain strict in checking requirements of each passenger as some Filipinos begin to fly back abroad after spending the holidays in the Philippines. Aside from the protocols imposed in the Philippines, the Filipinos returning abroad are also mandated to undergo health protocols in their host country which include swab testing and a 14-day quarantine. – Report from Louisa Erispe
