OFWs advised to fly to Clark, other airports if ultimate destination is outside Metro Manila

Cabinet secretrary Karlo Nograles

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who will be coming home to the Philippines – but do not reside in Metro Manila – are advised to take flights through Clark and other airports instead in order for them not to be affected by a month-long community quarantine which is set to be implemented starting March 15.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said in a press conference on March 13 that OFWs flying to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will have to stay in Metro Manila or the National Capital Region (NCR) as part of the community quarantine. Under the said community quarantine,  domestic air, sea and land transport to and from NCR will be suspended from March 15 to April 14, subject to the review of inter-agency task force.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced the said measure on March 12 to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 infection in the country.

The Philippines has at least 52 confirmed cases of people who contracted the virus, with 5 deaths.

“Anyone flying in from NAIA will remain in Metro Manila until the domestic travel ban is lifted,” Nograle s said. “If destination is in the provinces, it is suggested that they fly through Clark and other airports outside NCR.”

“NAIA will remain open for International flights but inbound and outbound passengers will have to be coming from and going to stay in Metro Manila. Those who need to go to the provinces must fly via Clark International Airport and other airports outside Metro Manila.”

Nograles added that Filipinos coming home will still be subjected to a 14-day mandatory quarantine regardless of the airport they will fly to. “Nandun pa rin ang protocols.”

“Hindi natin ipagbabawal ang ating mga kapwa Pilipino na umuwi ng bansa, pagdating nila dito they have to undergo strict quarantine.”