Filipinos in repatriation programs not covered by travel ban —Palace

Filipinos who are included in the government's repatriation programs are not covered by the travel restrictions imposed for inbound travelers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, United Arab Emirates and Oman, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Sunday.

To recall, the government enforced a travel ban on passengers coming from India and six other countries, which was extended until June 30, 2021. The travel ban must imposed to prevent the Delta variant, COVID-19 variant that originated from India, from infecting communities.

"Let it be clear, however, that Filipinos covered by the repatriation programs of the government and repatriation activities of manning / recruitment agencies cleared by the Bureau of Quarantine are not prohibited from entering the Philippines. They can enter the country, subject to testing and quarantine protocols," said Roque, in a statement.

As of Sunday, the Philippines has logged 1,359,015 total virus cases including  1,277,715 recoveries and 23,621 deaths. — Consuelo Marquez/BM, GMA News