ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas is easing air travel restrictions to and from this southern city “subject to the health protocols imposed by the city government upon their arrival.”
Treñas informed Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) acting manager Manuel Luisa Palma of his decision in a letter which he also sent to all operations managers of airline companies servicing flights to and from Iloilo.
Commercial flights to and from Iloilo were suspended since March this year when the community quarantine was enforced to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
In his latest move, Treñas lifted the restrictions on passenger capacity of airlines and limitations to the offer of flight accommodations.
“All airline companies are hereby informed that travel of persons bound for Iloilo City will be allowed, regardless of purpose, whether traveling as APOR (Authorized Persons Outside Residence) or non-APOR, and with no restrictions as to passenger capacity,” Treñas underlined.
However, the city mayor said airlines must advise traveling passengers to comply with several requirements.
Passengers should first secure a Travel Authority as prescribed by the national government’s Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and a Notice of Coordination and Acceptance through the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center IC-EOC.
Meanwhile, aviation sectors (airlines) in public transportation for the carriage of passengers shall properly coordinate with the IC-EOC relevant travel information like date and time of travel/flight/trip and itinerary, and
Submission of passenger manifest to IC-EOC containing the complete list of passengers for every trip would also be mandatory.
Treñas said this new policy allows the Ilonggos to return home and be reunited with their families.
Likewise, he added, it would complement the city government’s program aiming to rebuild the city’s economy.
“The ease in travel movements, however, does not mean that we will be relaxing out health standards. We will continue to enforce the safety protocols and enhanced hygiene measures we have set in place,” Treñas emphasized.
To note, the IATF-EID on Oct. 15 issued guidelines easing the movements of persons traveling to areas under general community quarantine like Iloilo City./PN
