As the Philippine government is easing out on domestic travel, and stringent security measures for the well-being of the flying public are being introduced so often, local airports are now requiring traveling passengers to present a valid Travel Pass from the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Airport Protocol for Departing Passengers
Upon entering the airport terminal, passengers will undergo the usual temperature checks (using thermal scanners) and will be subjected to disinfection processes. Facemasks are still required, and in addition, a valid medical certificate and a PNP Travel Pass is asked upon check-in.
Social distancing is observed all the way up to the final screening leading to the boarding gate, and eventual boarding.
Airline cabin crew are now doned in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), placed on top of their usual airline uniforms.
Securing a PNP Travel Pass
The Joint Task Force COVID Shield (JTF CV Shield) issued the simplified process of securing Travel Pass for areas under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) — this includes Metro Manila.
According to JTF CV Shield Commander, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, they have allowed the movement of Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) and indispensable travels such as for medical and family emergencies within Metro Manila and within the same province.
“Since we are now implementing GCQ and modified GCQ and also indispensable travels are similar to the case of the LSIs, then travels within National Capital Region and within the province shall be permitted without the travel authority,” according to Lt. Gen. Eleazar.
The PNP General explained that based on the instructions from DILG Secretary Eduardo Año, travel authority will only be required if the travels are outside Metro Manila and outside the provinces, but the process of securing this was also simplified by delegating it to the local police commanders.
“For those whose travel is outside Metro Manila, the issuance of the travel authority is delegated to the District Directors,” added Eleazar.
These are the five (05) police districts in Metro Manila:
- Quezon City Police District (QCPD)
- Manila Police District (MPD)
- Eastern Police District (EPD) which covers the cities San Juan, Mandaluyong, Pasig, and Marikina
- Northern Police District (NPD) which covers Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela
- Southern Police District (SPD) which has jurisdiction over Taguig, Las Piñas, Makati, Pasay, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Las Pinas and the municipality of Pateros
For people in the provinces who need to travel to another province but within the same region, travel authority is now delegated to the chiefs of police.
Travels that will involve crossing the border of two regions will require the authority of the provincial director. For those in Metro Manila, this power is delegated to the district director.