A
Direct Transit Area

Article 18 of the International Sanitary Regulations provides that as soon as it is practicable and where it is necessary for the accommodation of direct transit traffic, airports shall be provided with direct transit areas. A direct transit area means a special area established in connection with an airport, approved by the health authority concerned and under its direct supervision, for accommodating traffic and, in particular, for accommodating in segregation, passengers and crews breaking their air voyage without leaving the airport. In view of the foregoing provision, the following regulations are hereby promulgated effective immediately.

1. The direct transit area of the Manila International Airport terminal shall be under the direct supervision of the Bureau of Quarantine.

2. It shall be used to accommodate in segregating passengers to avoid health hazards resulting from mingling with local persons.

3. Passengers and crews in transit through the Manila International Airport for other areas of destination, shall not be subject to quarantine examination provided they stay in the direct transit area to wait for their connecting flights.

4. When it is necessary that transit passengers leave the limits of the direct transit area, it may be done only if it is with the permission and under the supervision of the quarantine medical officer.

5. Should such passengers and crews leave the confines of the airport and get their connecting flights sometime later, they shall be subject to quarantine inspection.

6. It is prohibited for any unauthorized person to enter the limits of the direct transit area. Entry into these areas shall be limited only to persons authorized by the Director of Quarantine as specified in section C of this Order.

B
The Quarantine Room

Section 56 of the Quarantine Regulations provides that the inspection of passengers and crew of aircraft shall be performed in the quarantine inspection room at the airport terminal. It is unlawful for any unauthorized person to enter the limits of this room without proper permission from the quarantine officer on duty.

C
Issuance of Credentials

Airline companies, the Civil Aeronautic Administration and the Bureau of Customs are requested to submit to the Director of Quarantine a list of persons who, in their official capacity, should have access to the direct transit area and the quarantine room. Credentials shall be issued to such persons after receiving proper immunization to be performed by this Office. Holders of credentials are allowed to enter the aforesaid restricted areas only when they are on duty at such areas.

D
Enforcement of Off-Limit Rule

In compliance with the provisions of the Revised Administrative Code and the Tariff Act, the enforcement of the off-limit rule in these two areas shall be the responsibility of the Bureau of Customs.

E
Penal Provisions

Any person violating this requirement shall be subject to the penal provisions provided in Section 11 of R.A. 123 which are quoted hereunder:

"Any person who violates any regulations prescribed under section five, six, eight, nine, and ten or who enters or departs from the limits of any quarantine detention station, ground, anchorage, in violation of quarantine rules and regulations, without permission from the quarantine officer in charge, shall be punished by a fine of not more than two thousand pesos or by imprisonment of not more than one year or both at the discretion of the Court of competent jurisdiction."

Undated

Date Filed: 20 February 1990

(SGD.) J. C. AZURIN
Colonel, B. Q.
Director of Quarantine