Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 14) — The Mactan-Cebu International Airport has began accepting international flights this week with the lapse of the Palace’s order diverting Cebu-bound flights to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Sunday said there has been “no further directive” regarding the previous order, which was issued on June 5 by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and was in effect until 11:59 p.m. of June 12.
When asked whether this meant international flights can already land on the Cebu airport, Roque said “without a further memo from Malacanang, yes.”
Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, spokesperson of the Department of Health Region 7, told reporters the province’s “swab upon arrival” policy is still being imposed on arriving passengers.
Under Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia’s policy, returning overseas Filipinos will be swabbed upon arrival at the airport.
Cebu residents can return to their homes after getting a negative RT-PCR test. They will undergo home quarantine and will be swabbed again on the seventh day in their residence.
Non-Cebu residents who test negative have to show proof of itinerary in going home to their province and will observe health protocols of their local government or the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases,
This is contrary to IATF’s policy which states that testing should be done on the seventh day of quarantine under an accredited facility.
The Palace earlier said the previous extension of diverting Cebu-bound flights to NAIA, the second one after the directive was issued in May 27, was aimed at fixing the implementation of the IATF’s arrival protocols in Cebu.
CNN Philippines’ Cebu-based correspondent Dale Israel contributed to this report.
