Passengers who have earlier booked flights leaving the country are in long queues at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), following the lifting of the 72-hour window on Tuesday night.
Some of the passengers are not aware that the 72-hour window has been lifted.
Meanwhile, buses provided by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have transported Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have crowded the arrival area with no means of travel available due to the suspension of public transportation.
“Mayroong P2P bus sa (There are P2P buses north and south). So ang na-identify sa north is ‘yung Dau and then sa south Sta. Rosa, Laguna, so aabot din doon (The identified point in the north is Dau and Sta. Rosa, Laguna in the south),” OWWA administrator Hans Cacdac said.
“Mayroon din tayong north, south, (We also have north, south, and within the NCR),” he added.
The Inter-Agency Task Force in its meeting Tuesday night tackled changes in aviation protocol, including the cancellation of the 72-hour window for international flights. Local and foreign passengers have also been allowed to exit the country anytime, but Filipino tourists are strictly prohibited to do so.
Meanwhile, inbound international passengers can enter but will undergo immigration measures and quarantine protocol.
While travel restrictions for foreign nationals arriving from China, Hong Kong, Macau, North Gyeongsang including Daegu and Cheongdo of South Korea, Iran, and Italy still stands, passengers from Iran and Italy must present medical certificates approved by their embassy to enter the Philippines.
It was also clarified that passengers can be ushered by one person who must not stay in the airport for long hours. The usher must also have a copy of the ticket and itinerary of the passenger that he or she will assist as proof of conveyance. – Report from Karen Villanda
