PAL bars use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on flights

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has moved to forbid the use and charging of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones on its flights after the South Korean electronics giant issued a global recall for the device.

"PAL is issuing this directive in line with the recall order made ... by Samsung Electronics Company Limited," it said in an advisory on its official Facebook account.

Samsung ordered earlier this month the recall of all Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, following reports some of the gadgets ignited while charging. Some 2.5 million units of the device have been sold so far.

"Findings showed that the Galaxy Note 7 batteries and phone units have caught fire during charging, prompting the manufacturer to recall all units sold worldwide," PAL said.

"Safety remains a cornerstone of PAL operations and, as such, the flag carrier will be ensuring full compliance on board each flight and is seeking the full cooperation of ... passengers," it added.

According to PAL, the device is not allowed as check-in item but may be hand-carried as long as the gadget is switched off at all times.

"All Samsung Galaxy Note 7 units – whether used or brand new – will not be accepted as PAL cargo shipment," it said.

Cebu Pacific and AirAsia also banned the use  of the device on any of their flights.

Globe Telecom Inc. said last week it will replace faulty units which have already been sold to customers.

Shares of Samsung fell to their lowest level in nearly two months on Monday after the company told customers to switch off and return their devices due to fire-prone batteries, Reuters said in a report.

According to Reuters, investors wiped out 15.9 trillion won or $14.3 billion off its market capitalization as of 0303 GMT Monday, as a series of warnings from regulators and airlines around the world raised fears for the future of the device. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/VDS, GMA News