RULES GOVERNING THE USE OF: DIRECT TRANSIT AREA, MIA; QUARANTINE ROOM, MIA

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

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