National Task Force COVID-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. announced though a Facebook post that the Philippine government is suspending all commercial flights to and from the country starting Sunday, May 3.
This to curb the spread of coronavirus disease as the number of cases approaches nearly 10,000 with 1,214 recoveries and 607 fatalities.
Flights transporting cargo, medical supplies, and other essentials will remain unhampered.
Additional guidelines are yet to be released.
Meanwhile, international flights are also suspended for a week to give the government the opportunity to decongest the quarantine facilities in Metro Manila. This also to ensure that overseas Filipino workers will be taken cared of upon arrival.
As of May 4, some 20,000 OFWs undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine in Metro Manila.
International airports covered by the new restriction are Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Davao International Airport, Clark International Airport, Iloilo International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Zamboanga International Airport, Kalibo International Airport, Laoag International Airport and Puerto Princesa International Airport.