Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 9271 Otherwise Known as the Quarantine Act of 2004

December 5, 2012

DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2012-0028

 

I. Background/Rationale

In July 4, 1946, the Quarantine Service was formally turned over to the Philippine Government from the United States Public Health Services. The following year, Republic Act No. 123 "An Act Prescribing the Reorganization and Operation of the Bureau of Quarantine Service and Promulgating Regulations Thereof" was approved on July 14, 1947. (Bureau of Quarantine Documents) EASCDH

At the global scene, the International Sanitary Regulation (ISR) by the World Health Organization to which the Philippines is a signatory was adopted by the Fourth World Assembly in 1951. (Quarantine Regulations of 1955, International Health Regulations, 2005)

In 1969, the ISR was renamed the International Health Regulation or Regulations. The 1969 Regulations were later amended in 1973 and 1981 respectively. (International Health Regulation, 2005, Bureau of Quarantine Documents)

Due to the above developments, the Quarantine Regulations to implement Republic Act 123 or the Quarantine Law was revised. The directive was issued through Administrative Order No. 118-C, entitled "Revised Quarantine Rules and Regulations", dated March 6, 1992.

In 2004, the dynamic changes occurring worldwide concerning diseases of international concern prompted the government to ratify Republic Act 9271, "An Act Strengthening the Regulatory Capacity of the Department of Health in Quarantine and International Health Surveillance, Repealing for the Purpose RA No. 123 of 1947". In line with this, the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the said Republic Act were promulgated. The IRR was issued through Administrative Order No. 186, series of 2004.

On the other hand, the Forty-eight World Health Assembly in 1995 called for a substantial revision of the IHR which was adopted in 1969. And, in 2005 the Fifty-eight World Health Assembly adopted the 2005 International Health Regulation. (International Health Regulation, 2005)

With these developments and in consideration of the increase in international travel and trade, and the emergence and re-emergence of international disease threats and other public health risks, there is a need to update the current Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9271 otherwise known as the Quarantine Act of 2004 in order to adapt to the revisions of the current IHR and the phenomenon of globalization.

In line with the strategic thrusts and implementation framework of the Kalusugan Pangkalahatan (KP) or Universal Health Care (UHC) of the Department of Health, the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations will strengthen the overall performance of the Bureau in consonance with the mission and objectives of the department specifically at the Points of Entry (POE).

II. Objectives

In order to ensure the provision of maximum security against the international spread of diseases with minimum interference to world trade and travel, the following objectives are formulated:

A. To define the standards and requisites for quarantine functions involving international and domestic operations;

B. To outline measures to respond to public health emergencies of international concern through an effective entry-exit management at points of entry;

C. To provide penalties for violations of RA 9271 in order to protect and promote the health of the public from health threats subject to the International Health Regulations; and

D. To prescribe guidelines relative to the authority to utilize income per Section 9 of Republic Act 9271 to support various Quarantine operations in safeguarding public health at points of entry.

III. Scope and Coverage

These Rules shall apply to all conveyances, their crew or passengers and/or cargoes, whether owned by government or private entities, which shall arrive and/or depart at the points of entry within the territory of the Philippines. The Bureau of Quarantine shall have the authority to issue quarantine certificates, bills of health, and/or other equivalent documents and formulates sanitation requirements over such conveyances, wharfage, anchorage, airports and seaports for the proper enforcement of these Rules.

IV. Implementing Mechanism

1. Subject to these rules and regulations are intervention strategies necessary to address the mandate of providing maximum security against the introduction and spread of infectious diseases in the country. The Bureau shall:

A. Conduct surveillance and institute infection control measures to prevent the entry and spread of infectious diseases through effective entry-exit management at points of entry; HIEASa

B. Provide technical assistance and supervision, consulting and advisory services on health and sanitation programs in the area of responsibility;

C. Conduct medical examination of aliens/foreigners for immigration purposes;

D. Provides vaccination requirements for international travel; and

E. Ensure the maintenance of sanitary environment through close supervision and control of food safety and sanitation facilities at the catering points and food service establishments within the premises of ports and airports and within inter-island vessels.

2. The Bureau is authorized to use at least fifty (50) percent of the income generated subject to accounting and auditing rules and regulations to support the various Quarantine operations in addressing the change of health trends due to globalization and increasing volume of travel and trade.

3. The Bureau is mandated to provide stiffer penalties to violations of the provisions of the Implementing Rules and Regulations in order to prevent breaches in public health security.

V. Repealing Clause:

This Administrative Order shall rescind Administrative Order No. 186 series of 2004 and other issuances that are inconsistent or contrary to the provisions of this Order.

VI. Effectivity:

This Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days following the date of its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

(SGD.) ENRIQUE T. ONA, MD, FPCS, FACSSecretary of HealthDepartment of Health

Preface

The Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Quarantine Act of 2004 (R.A. 9271), serves as the updated version of the protocols in implementing surveillance and response capabilities of the Bureau of Quarantine. This includes the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) of 2005 of the World Health Organization (WHO) in which the country is committed to observe and implement as a member state.

Parallel to the strategic thrusts and the implementation framework of the Kalusugan Pangkalahatan (KP) or Universal Health Care (UHC) as one of the advocacies of the Secretary of the Department of Health focusing on health strengthening implementation, ensuring the benefits of health reforms, accessibility to quality health care and services for all Filipinos. This new regulation will strengthen the overall performance of the Bureau of Quarantine's in consonance with the mission and objectives of the Department specifically at the Points of Entry (POE).

Being the health authority at the Points of Entry (POE), the Bureau of Quarantine is mandated to ensure health security against the introduction and spread of infectious diseases to include the emerging and re-emerging diseases and public health emergencies of international concern. This encompasses the pro-active response to public health concerns on matters pertaining to food safety, sanitation and vector control in POE on conveyances, people, goods and cargoes. IECcAT

This will also respond comprehensively, rapidly and effectively to the epidemiological changes and continuing global trends which markedly have impact on disease surveillance, prevention and control. The promotion of these health regulations are balanced by an equal concern with the minimal interference on travel and trade and to meet the standards and requisites for quarantine operations involving both the international and domestic interests.

REVISED IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE QUARANTINE ACT OF 2004

RULE I

General Provisions

SECTION 1. Title. — These Rules shall be known and cited as the "Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Quarantine Act of 2004".

SECTION 2. Authority. — These rules and regulations are issued to implement Republic Act No. 9271, otherwise known as "The Quarantine Act of 2004", in consonance with the International Health Regulations (IHR) of the World Health Organization (WHO).

SECTION 3. Purpose. — These Rules are promulgated to prescribe the procedures and guidelines in the implementation, and to provide penalties for violations, of RA No. 9271 in order to protect and promote the health of the people by ensuring maximum security against the introduction or spread of diseases subject to the IHR, particularly infectious diseases, emerging and re-emerging diseases, and Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC), from foreign countries into the Philippines and from one port or airport to another within the country. These Rules strive to harmonize the protection of public health without the unnecessary disruption of trade and travel.

SECTION 4. Scope and Jurisdiction. — These Rules shall apply to all conveyances both domestic and foreign, their crew or passengers and/or cargoes, whether owned by government or private entities, which shall arrive and/or depart at the points of entry within the territory of the Philippines. The Bureau of Quarantine shall have the authority to issue quarantine certificates, bills of health, and/or other equivalent documents and formulate sanitation requirements over such conveyances, wharfage, anchorage, airports and seaports for the proper enforcement of these Rules.

SECTION 5. Regulatory Authority. — The Bureau of Quarantine of the Department of Health shall exercise the regulatory functions as the health authority under these Rules.

SECTION 6. Definition of Terms. — For the purpose of these Rules, the following definitions are hereby adopted:

1) "Aedes aegypti Index" refers to the percentage of houses or premises positive for Aedes larvae;

2) "Aircraft" refers to a conveyance that travels through the air;

3) "Aircraft commander" refers to the person serving in the aircraft having charge or command of its operation and navigation;

4) "Airport" refers to a place where international and domestic aircraft can land and take off;

5) "Alien/Foreigner" refers to a person who is not a citizen of the country;

6) "Arrival" of a conveyance refers to either:

a. Arrival of an aircraft in an airport; or

b. Arrival of a navigation vessel in a port;

7) "Baggage" refers to the personal effects of a passenger or a member of the crew;

8) "Barrier nursing" refers to the use of a complete set of personal protective equipment, proper use and disposal of these equipment, and limitation of movement and interaction with the patient;

9) "Berth" refers to the place where a vessel docks;

10) "Boarding Formality" refers to the standard procedure/measure for the inspection of ships of international voyage entering or leaving the ports;

11) "Bureau" refers to the Bureau of Quarantine; SHCaDA

12) "Cargo" refers to the goods carried on a conveyance or in a container;

13) "Communicable disease" refers to an illness due to infectious agents or their toxic products, which may be transmitted from a reservoir to a susceptible host either directly as from an infected person or animal or indirectly through an intermediate plant or animal host, vector, or the inanimate environment;

14) "Contamination" refers to the presence of an infectious or toxic agent or matter on a human or animal body surface, in or on a product prepared for consumption or on other inanimate objects, including conveyances, which may constitute a public health risk;

15) "Conveyance" refers to a vessel, aircraft, train, road vehicle or other means of transport on an international or domestic travel;

16) "Crew" refers to the personnel of a vessel, an aircraft or other conveyances, who is employed for duties on board;

17) "Declared Public Health Emergency" refers to the official declaration by the President of the Republic of the Philippines as recommended by the Secretary of Health of an emergency posing a serious and direct public health threat to the population;

18) "Dedicated Facility" refers to a designated hospital or health facility for referral of cases or suspects of a disease subject to the IHR, infectious disease, emerging and re-emerging disease, or a public health emergency of international concern;

19) "Deratting" refers to the procedure of eradicating rats and other rodents;

20) "Director" refers to the Director or chief of the Bureau of Quarantine;

21) "Disease" refers to an illness that presents a risk of significant harm to humans caused by chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear agents;

22) "Disease subject to the IHR" refers to cholera, plague, yellow fever or any other disease declared, mentioned or classified in the International Health Regulations (IHR) by the World Health Organization (WHO);

23) "Disembarkation" refers to the act of getting off a vessel or aircraft;

24) "Disinfection" refers to the procedure whereby health measures are taken to control or kill infectious agents on a human or animal body surface or in or on baggage, cargo, containers, conveyances, goods and postal parcels by direct exposure to chemical or physical agents;

25) "Disinsection" means the operation in which measures are taken to kill the insect vectors of human disease present in carriers and containers;

26) "Embarkation" refers to the act of going aboard a vessel or an aircraft;

27) "Emerging Disease" refers to the infections that have newly appeared in the population, or have existed but are rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range;

28) "Epidemic/Outbreak" means the occurrence of an illness or health-related event in excess of its usual level of occurrence in a particular area over a particular period of time;

29) "Flight catering point" refers to a food establishment that prepares pre-packed or ready to eat food to be served in a commercial aircraft;

30) "Food Handler" refers to any person involved in the manufacturing, preparation, cooking or packing of food for human consumption who is employed in a food service establishment within the premises of ports and airports, and in-flight catering points; DCTHaS

31) "Food Safety" refers to all conditions and measures that are necessary during the production, processing, storage, distribution, and preparation of food to ensure that it is safe, sound, wholesome, and fit for human consumption;

32) "Food Service Establishment" refers to a place within the premises of ports and airports where food is prepared and intended for individual portion service and includes the site at which the individual portions are provided, whether consumption occurs on or off the premises;

33) "Foreign Airport/Seaport" refers to any airport or seaport situated outside the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines;

34) "Fumigation" refers to the procedure of eliminating pests by exposure to germicidal or chemical gas or fume;

35) "Goods" refers to tangible products, including animals and plants, transported on an international voyage, including for utilization on board a conveyance;

36) "Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)" refers to a systematic and science-based audit system employed for flight catering points and food service establishments within the premises of ports and airports. It identifies, evaluates, and controls hazards to ensure for food safety;

37) "Hazardous" refers to the potential of substances or materials to cause disruption or damage to people, their property, their services or environment, i.e., communities;

38) "Health Alert Notice" refers to the health information notice given to passengers on board vessels or aircrafts or upon arrival at points of entry;

39) "Health Authority" refers to the national and local authority or entity immediately responsible for the implementation and application of the appropriate public health measures under these Rules;

40) "Health Checklist" refers to the health information or declaration form to be accomplished by a traveller upon arrival or departure in airports or ports with declared disease outbreaks;

41) "Human Remains" refers to the body of a deceased individual, skeletal remains, or ashes after cremation;

42) "Ill Person" refers to an individual suffering from or affected with a physical ailment that may pose a public health risk;

43) "Incubation Period" refers to the period from the time of exposure/introduction of the infectious agent to the appearance of the first signs and symptoms of the disease;

44) "Infected Area" refers to the area where an infection has occurred and has the potential to cause the transmission of the disease;

45) "Infected Person" refers to a person who is incubating or suffering from an infectious disease;

46) "Infection" to the invasion of the body by living microorganisms which may or may not result in an illness;

47) "Infectious" refers to the capability of transmitting a disease;

48) "Inter-island Vessel" refers to a vessel that sails within Philippine territorial waters;

49) "In Quarantine" refers to the state or condition during which measures are applied by the health authority to an aircraft or vessel or persons to prevent the spread of a disease or vectors of disease/s;

50) "International Health Regulations (IHR)" refers to an international legal instrument that is binding on 194 countries across the globe, including all the Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO). The aim is to help the international community prevent and respond to acute public health risks that have the potential to cross borders and threaten people worldwide. The IHR was adopted by the 22nd World Health Assembly (WHA) in 1969, as amended by the 26th WHA of 1973, as amended by the 34th WHA of 1981, as amended by the 58th WHA of 2005 and as may be further amended; IHCacT

51) "International Certificate of Vaccination/ICV/Yellow Card" refers to a certificate issued to a person given vaccination and prophylaxis pursuant to the IHR and those who intend to travel to countries requiring such vaccination;

52) "Isolation" refers to the separation of ill or infected person or group of persons from other people to prevent the transmission of the disease;

53) "Lee" refers to the side of the vessel that is sheltered from the wind;

54) "Medical Examination" refers to the assessment of a person by an authorized competent health worker or by a person under the direct supervision of the competent health authority, to determine the person's health status and potential public health risk to others and shall include scrutiny of health documents and physical examination when justified by the circumstances of the individual case;

55) "Perimeter" when applied to an airport, refers to an imaginary line enclosing the area including the airport terminals, runway and tarmac to be used for the aircraft;

56) "Personal Protective Equipment" refers to the materials use to cover the human body or any part of the human body in order to prevent contamination from the disease. This includes facial mask, eye protectors or goggles, gown, gloves, etc.;

57) "Points of Entry" refers to a passage for international travellers, baggages, cargoes, containers, conveyances, goods and postal parcels as well as agencies and areas providing services to them on entry or exit;

58) "Port" refers to a seaport on an inland body of water where vessels arrive or depart;

59) "Pratique" refers to the permission for a vessel or aircraft to enter port or airport, disembark persons, and commence operation after compliance of the health requirements;

60) "Protective Area" refers to the area within a distance of at least four hundred (400) meters around the perimeter of an airport;

61) "Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)" refers to an extraordinary event which is determined, as provided in these Rules:

a. the public health impact of the event is serious;

b. the event is unusual and unexpected;

c. there is a significant risk of international spread; and

d. there is a significant risk of international travel and trade restrictions;

62) "Quarantine" refers to the restriction of activities and/or separation from others of suspect persons who are not ill or of suspect baggage, containers, and conveyances in such a manner as to prevent the possible spread of infection or contamination;

63) "Regular Quarantine Medical Officer" refers to a duly licensed physician who is a regular employee of the Bureau; has undergone the Training Program for Quarantine Medical Officers conducted by the Bureau; and has been appointed as such by the Secretary of Health, upon the recommendation of the Director, to perform the mandated functions and duties of the Office;

a. "Acting Quarantine Medical Officer" refers to a duly licensed physician who is not a regular employee of the Bureau; has undergone the Training Program for Quarantine Medical Officers conducted by the Bureau; and has been designated as such by the Secretary of Health, upon the recommendation of the Director, to perform limited mandated functions and duties of the office in the absence of the regular Quarantine Medical Officer; The Memorandum of Agreement is renewable every year after assessment; AaSTIH

b. "Alternate Quarantine Medical Officer" refers to a duly licensed physician who has undergone the Training Program for Quarantine Medical Officers conducted by the Bureau and deputized by the Secretary of Health, upon recommendation of the Director, for a temporary period (whether on call basis or not) to ports and airports without a Regular or Acting Quarantine Medical Officer. The Alternate QMO shall only perform limited functions; shall not be considered an employee; and shall not receive any remuneration except those stipulated in the Memorandum of Agreement. The duration of the temporary assignment of the Alternate Quarantine Medical Officer shall not exceed twelve (12) months but may be renewed in the exigency of public service;

64) "Quarantine Medical Assistant" refers to a regular employee of the Bureau who is not a medical doctor by profession but who has undergone the Training Program for Quarantine Medical Officers conducted by the Bureau. He/she shall be duly designated by the Director to assist the Quarantine Medical Officer in the performance of the latter's mandated functions and duties;

65) "Quarantine Flag" refers to the yellow flag hoisted during daytime at the foremast of a vessel that is subject to quarantine inspection;

66) "Quarantine Inspection" refers to the conduct of examination by a competent authority or by a person under the direct supervision of the competent authority of conveyances together with its crew, passengers, baggage, cargoes, containers, goods or postal parcels, including relevant data and documentation to determine if a public health risk exists;

67) "Quarantine Light" refers to the yellow light turned on during nighttime at the foremast of a vessel that is subject to quarantine inspection;

68) "Re-emerging Disease" refers to an infection that had decreased in incidence in the global population and was brought under control, reached a nadir, and, more recently, began to resurge as a public health problem;

69) "Ship Sanitation Certificate" refers to the certificate issued to the ship by the Bureau if upon inspection, the said ship is free of contamination or infection from any infectious disease subject to the IHR or free from infestation of vectors and reservoir. The certificate shall be valid for six (6) months from the date of issuance;

70) "Ship Surgeon/Physician" refers to a registered medical doctor who is employed on a vessel;

71) "Surveillance" refers to the systematic ongoing collection, collation and analysis of data for public health purposes and the timely dissemination of public health information for assessment and public health response as necessary;

72) "Suspect" refers to a person, baggage, cargo, container, conveyance, goods or postal parcel considered by the Bureau as having been exposed or possibly exposed to a public health risk which could be a possible source of the spread of disease;

73) "Suspected Case" refers to the specific circumstance of a person, baggage, cargo, container, conveyance, goods or postal parcel who/that has the particular disease, health disorder, or condition that meets the case definitions for surveillance and outbreak investigation purposes;

74) "Thermal Scanner" refers to a non-intrusive special type of camera that detects and records body temperature;

75) "Traveler" refers to a passenger or crew on a voyage either through a vessel or an aircraft;

76) "Vaccination" is defined as the process of deliberately inducing a protective response by introducing a killed or weakened form of infectious agent; CEcaTH

77) "Valid Certificate" refers to a certificate conforming to the rules and the model laid down by the IHR;

78) "Vector" means an insect or animal which normally transports an infectious agent that constitutes a public health risk;

79) "Vector Control" refers to the application of health measures by the health authority to control or kill vectors of human disease present in vessels or aircrafts. Vector control measures include disinsection, fumigation and deratting;

80) "Vessel" refers to a ship or a hollow craft used for travelling on water;

81) "Voluntary Home Confinement" means the home-based quarantine of asymptomatic contacts or those who have been exposed to an infectious disease subject to the IHR. The duration of home confinement shall correspond to the duration of the incubation period of the disease.

RULE II

Inspection and Clearance of Vessels from Foreign Ports

SECTION 7. General Rules. —

(1) All vessels coming from foreign ports are subject to quarantine inspection upon entry in any port of the Philippines. Vessels cleared in one port in the Philippines are deemed cleared for all local ports in the country. However, a vessel with infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, a declared PHEIC, and/or death on board shall undergo another quarantine inspection or as deemed necessary upon arrival in another local port/s.

(2) The quarantine inspection and clearance of vessels from foreign ports shall be conducted by the regular Quarantine Medical Officer and/or his duly designated Alternate with or without the assistance of the Quarantine Medical Assistant. In the absence of the regular Quarantine Medical Officer, the Acting Quarantine Medical Officer or the Alternate Quarantine Medical Officer, as the case may be, shall conduct such inspection and clearance.

SECTION 8. General Requirements. —

(1) Any vessel coming from foreign ports subject to quarantine inspection shall be considered in quarantine until given a pratique. Such vessel shall hoist the quarantine flag and/or turn on the quarantine light at its foremast upon entry into the harbor, drop its anchor at the quarantine anchorage, put down its accommodation ladder and wait for the Quarantine Medical Officer.

(2) During inclement weather conditions, a proper shelter or lee shall be afforded to the Quarantine Medical Officer before the boarding formality is conducted.

(3) In cases of extreme unfavorable weather conditions, the boarding formality shall be held in abeyance at the discretion of the Quarantine Medical Officer until such condition becomes favorable.

SECTION 9. Documentary Requirements During Inspection. — The following duly accomplished documents shall be provided to the Quarantine Medical Officer during inspection:

(1) Maritime Declaration of Health;

(2) Ship Sanitation Certificate;

(3) Passenger and crew list;

(4) Voyage Memo/Ports of Call;

(5) Clinical records of cases treated during the voyage when present; and

(6) Other documents as may be prescribed from time to time in compliance to health regulations.

SECTION 10. Extent and Method of Inspection. — The Quarantine Medical Officer shall inspect the following prior to the issuance of a pratique:

(1) State of health of the passengers and crew; AECacS

(2) Evidence of infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC;

(3) Validity of the Ship Sanitation Certificate;

(4) Sanitary conditions on board which shall include inspection of the following: galley, pantry, food storage, cargo holds, quarters of crew and officers, accommodation of passengers, deck, potability of water, ballast tanks, standing water, sewage management, solid and medical waste management;

(5) Medical facilities which shall include provision of medicine chest in accordance with the International Medical Guide for Ships;

(6) Engine room and other areas when applicable; and

(7) Type and tonnage of cargo.

SECTION 11. Kinds of Pratique Issued to Vessels. —

(1) Free Pratique — A pratique issued to a vessel which has complied with the quarantine rules and regulations as provided in these Rules. It is a prerequisite for customs clearance.

(2) Provisional Pratique — A pratique issued to a vessel which has the following conditions:

A. Isolation of suspect or actual case of infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, or a PHEIC;

B. Quarantine or medical surveillance of exposed passenger or crew from a suspected infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease or a PHEIC;

C. Vessel with cargoes which shall pose as public health threat:

a) Gunny sacks or jute bags or cargoes wrapped with the same materials shall be fumigated prior to the release to the consignee unless covered by a valid fumigation certificate/phytosanitary certificate, and

b) Cargoes containing hazardous materials such as chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear waste.

D. Expired Ship Sanitation Certificate; and

E. Vessel suspected of having been exposed to a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) incident.

(3) Controlled Free Pratique (Direct Berthing Privilege) — A pratique granted to vessels with a request for a direct berthing privilege submitted within forty eight (48) hours prior to the estimated time of arrival, duly signed or certified by the master of the vessel under the following conditions:

(A) There has been no death on board during the voyage;

(B) The request should state the port of origin and the ports visited during the voyage and that no infectious disease subject to the Regulations, emerging and re-emerging disease and/or any PHEIC is present at the port of origin and the ports visited;

(C) There is no sick person on board or was there any case of infectious disease subject to the Regulations, emerging and re-emerging disease and/or a PHEIC during the voyage;

(D) There has been no death or disease among captive animals and birds including rodents, on board during the voyage; and

(E) The Ship Sanitation Certificate is valid.

(4) Radio Pratique — A pratique granted to military vessels of the Republic of the Philippines and foreign countries under the following conditions:

(A) There should be a ship surgeon/physician on board or in any of the vessels operating as a squadron; EHTISC

(B) The request for radio pratique shall be submitted within forty eight (48) hours before the estimated time of arrival;

(C) The request should state the ports visited during the voyage and that no infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC is present at the ports visited;

(D) There is no sick person on board or was there any case of infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC during the voyage;

(E) There has been no death or disease among captive animals and birds including rodents on board during the voyage; and

(F) The Ship Sanitation Certificate is valid.

(5) Controlled Radio Pratique — A pratique granted to cruise or passenger vessels under the following conditions:

(A) There should be a ship surgeon/physician on board;

(B) The request for controlled radio pratique shall be submitted to the Bureau within forty eight (48) hours before the estimated time of arrival;

(C) The request should state the port of origin and the ports visited during the voyage and that no infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or any PHEIC is present at the port of origin and the ports visited;

(D) There should be no actual or suspected case on board of an infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, or a PHEIC; and

(E) The Quarantine Medical Officer shall board the vessel at the anchorage and conduct quarantine inspection while the vessel is slowly advancing towards the port.

SECTION 12. Conditions Governing Vessels While on Voyage with Suspected Case. —

(1) The master of any vessel or his duly accredited agent shall, as soon as applicable, notify the Bureau at the next port of call or station, if a case or suspected case of an infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC exists on board.

(2) The Bureau shall send a Quarantine Medical Officer to inspect the said vessel and ascertain the health status of the crew and passengers.

(3) While waiting for the Quarantine Medical Officer, the master of the vessel shall institute measures as the Bureau directs to prevent the spread of the disease. He/she may be ordered to assemble the crew and passengers on board in a well-lighted and ventilated place for quarantine inspection when necessary.

(4) The deck officer in charge of health or the ship surgeon/physician, upon arrival of the Quarantine Medical Officer shall provide the medical data of crew and passengers.

(5) The Quarantine Medical Officer shall review said records and shall perform the medical examination of any person who got ill on board at the sick-bay/cabin with the assistance of the deck officer in charge of health or the ship surgeon/physician and shall prescribe the appropriate measure as the case may be.

(6) The Quarantine Medical Officer, after inspection of the vessel and its crew and passengers, shall prescribe the appropriate measures in accordance with the Bureau's existing protocol and guidelines and in coordination with other relevant offices.

SECTION 13. Conditions Governing Embarkation and Disembarkation of Vessels from Foreign Ports with Suspected Case. — If suspected case/s of infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC, and/or death occurs on board, the following conditions shall be observed:

(1) No person is allowed to embark except the Quarantine Medical Officer and/or the Quarantine Medical Assistant/s; aDHCcE

(2) Disembarkation of passengers and crew shall not be allowed until such time that the vessel has been granted a quarantine clearance;

(3) Suspect case/s shall be medically examined on board and/or transported to a dedicated facility for a thorough medical examination, management and subsequent quarantine/isolation as the case may be;

(4) The remaining passengers and crew of vessel, if needed, shall also be medically examined on board;

(5) Crew and passengers possibly exposed to an infectious disease, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC shall be placed in quarantine on board vessels or in dedicated facilities or voluntary home confinement as may be advised; and

(6) Any person who boarded a vessel in quarantine without permission from the Quarantine Medical Officer shall be placed under quarantine.

SECTION 14. Management of Vessels Exposed to Biological, Chemical, Radiological or Nuclear Incidents. — In cases when the vessel is accidentally or intentionally exposed to biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear material, the appropriate actions on such incident shall conform to the Bureau's Interim Guidelines on Preparedness and Response to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Exposure Incidents. (Annex A, A-1)

SECTION 15. Requirement of Vessels Before Departure from a Philippine Port. — No vessel shall be allowed to depart from any port of the Philippines to foreign destination without securing an outgoing quarantine clearance from the Director or his/her duly authorized representative. This clearance shall be granted to the vessel on condition that the vessel has observed all quarantine requirements. It shall be a prerequisite for the issuance of a Bureau of Customs Clearance for departure.

SECTION 16. Embarkation of Travellers with Suspected Case. — The Director, whenever necessary, shall order the medical examination of travellers and shall disallow any suspected person having an infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC, from embarking on an international voyage, except when transporting a declared sick person through a conveyance especially provided for the purpose, in order to safeguard the health of the other passengers and crew.

SECTION 17. Issuance of Other Certificates. — The Quarantine Medical Officer is hereby authorized to issue the following certificates upon the request of the master of vessel:

(1) Medical Chest Certificate if the requirements for such is met; It shall be valid for six (6) months from the date of issuance; and

(2) Medical Certificate for the medical evacuation of crew and passengers.

SECTION 18. Time of Inspection. — Quarantine inspection of vessels required by these Rules shall be made from 0800-1200H and 1300-1700H, Mondays to Fridays. Any quarantine inspection performed outside of these hours and during Saturdays, Sundays and non-working holidays shall be subject to reasonable reimbursement by the concerned shipping company in relation to the incurred expenses and services rendered by the concerned Quarantine personnel.

RULE III

Inspection and Clearance of Inter-island Vessels

SECTION 19. General Rules. —

(1) All inter-island vessels plying domestic ports with a suspected infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, a PHEIC and/or death on board are subject to quarantine inspection. cATDIH

(2) The quarantine inspection and clearance of inter-island vessels shall be conducted by a regular Quarantine Medical Officer with or without the support of the Quarantine Medical Assistant. In the absence of the regular Quarantine Medical Officer, the Acting Quarantine Medical Officer or the Alternate Quarantine Medical Officer, as the case may be, shall conduct such inspection and clearance. In ports where there are no Quarantine Medical Officer at all, quarantine inspection and clearance of these vessels shall be coordinated with the local health authorities in accordance with these Rules and/or guidelines issued by the Bureau.

SECTION 20. General Requirements. —

(1) Inter-island vessels subject to quarantine inspection shall be considered in quarantine until properly cleared. Such vessel shall hoist the quarantine flag during daytime and/or turn on the quarantine light during nighttime at its foremast upon entry into the harbor, drop its anchor at the quarantine anchorage, put down its accommodation ladder and wait for the Quarantine Medical Officer.

(2) During inclement weather conditions, a proper shelter or lee shall be afforded to the Quarantine Medical Officer before the boarding formality is conducted.

(3) In cases of extreme unfavorable weather conditions, the boarding formality shall be held in abeyance at the discretion of the Quarantine Medical Officer, until such condition becomes favorable.

SECTION 21. Documentary Requirements During Inspection. — The following duly accomplished documents shall be provided to the Quarantine Medical Officer during inspection:

(1) Clinical records of treated cases during the voyage or the medical incident report of any death on board, when present;

(2) Ship Sanitation Certificate;

(3) Passenger and crew list;

(4) Voyage Memo/Ports of Call; and

(5) Other documents as may be prescribed from time to time in compliance to health regulations.

SECTION 22. Extent and Method of Inspection. — The Quarantine Medical Officer shall inspect the following:

(1) State of health of all the passengers and crew;

(2) Evidence of infectious disease subject to the IHR; emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC;

(3) Validity of the Ship Sanitation Certificate;

(4) Sanitary conditions on board which shall include inspection of the following: galley, pantry, food storage, cargo holds, quarters of crew and officers, accommodation of passengers, deck, potability of water, ballast tanks, standing water, sewage management, solid and medical waste management;

(5) Medical facilities which shall include provision of medicine chest in accordance with the International Medical Guide for Ships; and

(6) Engine room and other areas when applicable; and

(7) Type and tonnage of cargo.

SECTION 23. Conditions Governing Vessels While on Voyage with Suspected Case. —

(1) The master of inter-island vessel shall as soon as applicable, notify the Bureau at the next port of call or station, if a suspected case of an infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC exists on board.

(2) The Bureau shall send a Quarantine Medical Officer to inspect the said vessel and ascertain the health status of all the passengers and crew. ADCEcI

(3) While waiting for the Quarantine Medical Officer, the master of the vessel shall institute measures as the Bureau directs to prevent the spread of the disease. He may be ordered to muster the crew and passengers on board in a well-lighted and ventilated place for quarantine inspection when necessary.

(4) The deck officer in charge of health or the ship surgeon/physician, upon arrival of the Quarantine Medical Officer shall provide the medical data of crew and passengers.

(5) The Quarantine Medical Officer shall review said records and shall perform the medical examination of any person who got ill on board at the sick-bay/cabin with the assistance of the deck officer in charge of health or the ship surgeon/physician and shall prescribe the appropriate measure as the case may be.

(6) The Quarantine Medical Officer after inspection of the vessel and its crew and passengers, shall prescribe the appropriate measures in accordance with the Bureau's existing protocol and guidelines and in coordination with other relevant offices.

SECTION 24. Conditions Governing Embarkation and Disembarkation of Vessels in Quarantine. — If suspected case/s of infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC, and/or death occurs on board, the following conditions shall be observed:

(1) No person is allowed to embark except the Quarantine Medical Officer and/or the Quarantine Medical Assistant/s;

(2) Disembarkation of passengers and crew shall not be allowed until such time that the vessel has been granted a quarantine clearance;

(3) Suspect case/s shall be medically examined on board and/or transported to a dedicated facility for a thorough medical examination, management and subsequent quarantine/isolation as the case may be;

(4) The remaining passengers and crew of vessel, if needed, shall also be medically examined on board;

(5) Crew and passengers possibly exposed to an infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC, shall be placed in quarantine on board vessels or in dedicated facilities or voluntary home confinement as may be advised; and

(6) Any person who boarded a vessel in quarantine without permission from the Quarantine Medical Officer on duty shall be placed in quarantine.

SECTION 25. Management of Vessels Exposed to Biological, Chemical, Radiological or Nuclear Incidents. — In cases when the vessel is accidentally or intentionally exposed to biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear material, the appropriate actions on such incident shall conform to the Bureau's Interim Guidelines on Preparedness and Response to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Exposure Incidents. (Annex A, A-1)

SECTION 26. Embarkation of Travellers with Suspected Case. — The Director, whenever necessary, shall order the medical examination of travellers and shall disallow any person suspected of having an infectious disease (subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC) from embarking on a domestic voyage except when transporting a declared sick person through a conveyance especially provided for the purpose, in order to safeguard the health of the other passengers and crew.

SECTION 27. Issuance of Medical Certificate. — The Quarantine Medical Officer is hereby authorized to issue a medical certificate for medically evacuated crew or passenger upon the request of the master of vessels.

RULE IV

Requirements of Foreign and Inter-Island Vessels While in Port

SECTION 28. General Requirements. —

(1) Rat Guards on Mooring Connection Lines — If the vessel docks alongside the piers, all mooring lines shall be provided with prescribed rat guards not less than one (1) meter in diameter and so fixed as to be always at right angle to the line to which it is attached. SDAaTC

(2) Cargo Net, Gangway/Plank and Ramp — All cargo nets should be hauled up when not in use. The gangway/plank and/or ramp (forward and aft) shall be lifted up when not in operation and well lighted throughout the night to prevent the access of rodents.

(3) Distance of Vessel from the Dock — All vessels should fend off at least one and one-half (1 1/2) meters from the dock.

(4) Mooring of Vessel to another Vessel which is moored to a Dock — A vessel which shall tie alongside another vessel moored to a dock shall institute all necessary measures to prevent the access of rats from one vessel to another.

SECTION 29. Disposal of Garbage. — No vessel shall be allowed to dump garbage or wastes overboard while in the harbor. Garbage shall be collected in prescribed containers for disposal. When a vessel is in port, arrangements shall be made for the regular removal of garbage by an accredited disposal service to ensure proper collection, treatment and disposal in accordance with existing sanitation standards and laws.

SECTION 30. Conduct of Sanitary Inspection. — All foreign and domestic inter-island vessels shall be inspected for the presence of a valid Ship Sanitation Certificate.

1) Kinds of Ship Sanitation Certificates:

(A) Ship Sanitation Control Certificate — a certificate being issued after a vector control measure has been instituted on board and shall be valid for six (6) months from the date of issuance.

(B) Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate — a certificate being issued when there is no evidence of vector on board and shall be valid for six (6) months from the date of issuance.

(C) Ship Sanitation Extension Certificate — a certificate being issued with instruction that formal quarantine inspection and issuance of a Ship Sanitation Certificate shall be done in the next port authorized to conduct such quarantine inspection and issuance of certificate. The certificate shall be valid for one (1) month from the date of issuance and no further extension shall be given.

2) Vessels with expired or without Ship Sanitation Certificate and vessels with Ship Sanitation Certificate but with reported vectors on board shall be subject to sanitary inspection.

3) The sanitary inspection of foreign and domestic inter-island vessels shall be under the direct supervision of the Quarantine Medical Officer.

4) All findings during the inspection shall be recorded in the Sanitation Quarantine Inspection Form. The results of the quarantine inspection shall determine the kind of Ship Sanitation Certificate to be issued.

5) Any vessel found to have vectors on board shall not be issued a Ship Sanitation Certificate until such vessel has undergone the appropriate vector control measures as recommended by the Quarantine Medical Officer.

SECTION 31. Vector Control Measures. — The following vector control measures shall be ordered as appropriate under the direct supervision of a Quarantine Medical Officer.

(1) Deratting

(A) Trapping — This is applicable in situations where the use of poisons would be dangerous and where the odor of decomposing bodies of rodents would become an annoyance.

(B) Poisoning — This type is recommended for rodent extermination in ocean vessels, container yards, and open spaces within ports and airports where the possibility of contaminating humans, domestic animals and foodstuff is nil. SDTIaE

(C) Fumigation shall be undertaken for the following conditions:

a. Any vessel with human or rodent plague on board;

b. Any vessel moderately or heavily infested with rodents;

c. Cargoes in a vessel from a plague-infected port which serve as harborages for rodents and fleas. However, if the cargo is covered by a valid certificate of fumigation/phytosanitary certificate from the port of loading, the fumigation may be waived subject to verification of the authenticity of the certificate; and

d. Domestic inter-island vessels for their periodic annual fumigation or as often as needed upon recommendation of the Quarantine Medical Officer and as approved by the Director.

(2) Disinsection of vessels or cargo of vessels infested with insects.

RULE V

Inspection and Clearance of Aircraft from Foreign Airports

SECTION 32. General Rules. —

(1) All aircraft from foreign airports bound to the Philippines shall land first at the airport of entry, unless permission to land elsewhere is granted first by the appropriate authorities. If such permission has been granted, the Director shall be notified immediately of the time and place of arrival.

(2) All aircraft coming from foreign airports are subject to quarantine inspection upon entry in any airport of the Philippines. Aircraft cleared in one airport in the Philippines are deemed cleared for all other airports in the country. However, an aircraft with an infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, a declared outbreak of PHEIC and/or death on board shall undergo another quarantine inspection upon arrival or as deemed necessary in another local airport/s.

(3) The aircraft commander or the airline representative shall inform the Bureau if any of the following conditions exist on board:

(A) Case/s of infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC which have occurred from the airport of origin;

(B) Persons afflicted with illness or a person who is suspected to have an infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC;

(C) Death on board from any cause; and

(D) Presence of patient-passenger who is medically evacuated (Medevac), regardless of the nature of the case.

(4) The quarantine inspection and clearance of aircrafts shall be conducted by a regular Quarantine Medical Officer with or without the support of the Quarantine Medical Assistant. In the absence of the regular Quarantine Medical Officer, the Acting Quarantine Medical Officer or the Alternate Quarantine Medical Officer, as the case may be, shall conduct such inspection and clearance.

SECTION 33. General Requirements. —

(1) The airline company operating an aircraft engaged in international flight shall notify the Bureau within twenty four (24) hours of the estimated time of arrival of the aircraft for inspection and clearance. Such notice shall specify the following:

(A) Date and time of arrival; EAICTS

(B) Type of aircraft;

(C) Flight number and registration marks or aircraft identification;

(D) Airport of origin;

(E) Number of persons on board; and

(F) Purpose of the flight.

(2) If a disease outbreak is present in any part of the world with the potential to cross borders, the aircraft commander shall ensure distribution of health alert notice and health checklist if provided for, to all crew and passengers while on board. The duly accomplished checklists shall be collected by the Quarantine Medical Officer or the Quarantine Medical Assistant upon arrival at the point of entry. (Annex B-2)

SECTION 34. Requirements on Arrival at Points of Entry. —

(1) Upon arrival at the airport of entry, the following documents shall be provided to the Quarantine Medical Officer:

(A) Duly accomplished General Declaration;

(B) Passenger list and seat number;

(C) Cargo manifest;

(D) Aircraft configuration; and

(E) Other documents as may be prescribed from time to time in compliance to health regulations.

(2) The aircraft commander shall ensure the examination of passengers and crew by the Quarantine Medical Officer on duty when necessary.

SECTION 35. Conditions Governing Embarkation and Disembarkation of Aircraft in Quarantine. — In case of notification of the presence of suspected case/s of infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC and/or death on board, the following conditions shall be observed:

(1) No person is allowed to embark except the Quarantine Medical Officer and/or the Quarantine Medical Assistant/s.

(2) Disembarkation of passengers and crew shall not be allowed until such time that the aircraft has been granted a quarantine clearance.

(3) Suspect case/s shall be medically examined at the quarantine inspection area/holding area located at the airport terminal and/or transported to a dedicated facility for a thorough medical examination, management and subsequent quarantine/isolation as the case may be;

(4) The rest of the passengers and crew when necessary, shall also be medically examined in the quarantine inspection area/holding area;

(5) Crew and passengers possibly exposed to the infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC shall be placed in quarantine in dedicated facilities or voluntary home confinement as may be advised; and

(6) Any person who enters the confines of the quarantine inspection area/holding area during the quarantine inspection of passengers without the permission of the Quarantine Medical Officer shall be placed in quarantine.

SECTION 36. Management of Aircraft Exposed to Biological, Chemical, Radiological or Nuclear Incidents. — In cases when the aircraft is exposed to biological, chemical, radiological or nuclear terrorism, the appropriate actions on such incident shall conform to the Bureau's Interim Guidelines on Preparedness and Response to Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear (CBRN) Exposure Incidents. (Annex A, A-2)

SECTION 37. Vector Control of Aircraft and Immediate Areas of Responsibility. —

(1) All aircraft shall be disinsected in accordance with the rules and regulations of the WHO and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The aircraft shall be disinsected after disembarkation of passengers. The cabins, cockpit, baggage compartments and other places in the aircraft shall be sprayed with an approved type of aerosol insecticide, or in lieu of this, a fine vaporization from a hand sprayer of the recommended insecticide. cISAHT

(2) In view of the danger of introducing insects which are vectors of infectious diseases subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC, aircraft arriving from foreign airports shall be subject to the following measures in addition to the in-flight disinsection, when necessary:

(A) Residual disinsection of the cargo hold can be performed as per request. Active preventive measures shall be maintained within a protective area extending for a distance of at least four hundred (400) meters around the perimeter of every airport of entry. A regular surveillance and monitoring of the presence of adult and larval Aedes aegypti is undertaken to maintain the Aedes aegypti index within the recommended limit which is equal or below 5% as required by the WHO; and

(B) All breeding places of flies, mosquitoes and other insects shall be eliminated and appropriate measures shall be implemented for the control of these vectors. The Bureau shall from time to time order appropriate measures against these vectors.

SECTION 38. Requirement of Aircraft Before Departure from a Philippine Airport. — No aircraft shall be allowed to depart from any Philippine airport to foreign destination without securing an outgoing quarantine clearance from the Director or his/her duly authorized representative. This clearance shall be granted to the aircraft, on condition that such an aircraft has observed all quarantine requirements. The clearance shall be a prerequisite for the issuance of Bureau of Customs Clearance for departure.

SECTION 39. Embarkation of Travellers with Suspected Case. — The Director, whenever necessary, shall order the medical examination of travellers and shall disallow any person suspected of having an infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC from embarking on an international flight, except when transporting a declared sick person through a conveyance especially provided for the purpose, in order to safeguard the health of the other passengers and crew.

SECTION 40. Time of Inspection. — Quarantine inspection of aircraft required by these regulations shall be made from 0800-1200H and 1300-1700H, Mondays to Fridays. Any quarantine inspection performed outside of these hours and during Saturdays, Sundays and non-working holidays shall be subject to reasonable reimbursement by the concerned airline company in relation to the incurred expenses and services rendered by the concerned Quarantine Personnel.

RULE VI

Inspection and Clearance of Domestic Aircraft

SECTION 41. General Rules. —

(1) All domestic aircraft with suspected infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, a PHEIC and/or death on board are subject to quarantine inspection.

(2) The aircraft commander or the airline representative shall inform the Bureau if any of the following conditions exist on board:

A. Case or suspected case of infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC;

B. Death on board from any cause; and

C. Presence of patient-passenger who is medically evacuated (Medevac), regardless of the nature of the case.

(3) The quarantine inspection and clearance of domestic aircraft shall be conducted by regular Quarantine Medical Officer with or without the support of the Quarantine Medical Assistant. In the absence of the regular Quarantine Medical Officer, the Acting Quarantine Medical Officer or the Alternate Quarantine Medical Officer, as the case may be, shall conduct such inspection and clearance. In airports where there are no Quarantine Medical Officers at all, inspection and clearance of aircraft shall be coordinated with the local health authorities in accordance with these Rules and guidelines issued by the Bureau. IDESTH

SECTION 42. Requirements on Arrival at the Point of Entry. —

(1) Upon arrival at the airport of entry, the following documents shall be provided to the Quarantine Medical Officer:

(A) Passenger list and seat number;

(B) Cargo manifest; and

(C) Aircraft configuration.

(2) The aircraft commander shall ensure the medical examination of passengers and crew when necessary by the Quarantine Medical Officer on duty.

SECTION 43. Embarkation of Travellers with Suspected Case. — The Director, whenever necessary, shall order the medical examination of travellers and shall disallow the embarkation of any person suspected of having an infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC, in order to safeguard the health of the crew and other passengers.

SECTION 44. Conditions Governing the Embarkation and Disembarkation of Domestic Aircraft in Quarantine. — In case of notification of the presence of suspected case/s of infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC and/or death on board, the following conditions shall be observed:

(1) No person is allowed to embark except the Quarantine Medical Officer and/or the Quarantine Medical Assistants;

(2) Disembarkation of passengers and crew shall not be allowed until such time that the aircraft has been granted a quarantine clearance;

(3) Suspect case/s shall be medically examined at the quarantine inspection area/holding area located at the airport terminal and/or transported to a dedicated facility for a thorough medical examination, management and subsequent quarantine/isolation as the case may be;

(4) The rest of the passengers and crew, if needed, shall also be medically examined in the quarantine inspection area/holding area;

(5) Crew and passengers possibly exposed to the infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC shall be placed in quarantine in designated facilities or voluntary home confinement as may be advised; and

(6) Any person who enters the confines of the quarantine inspection area during the inspection of passengers without the permission of the Quarantine Medical Officer shall be placed in quarantine.

SECTION 45. Management of Aircraft Exposed to Biological, Chemical, Radiological or Nuclear Incidents. — In cases when the aircraft is accidentally or intentionally exposed to biological, chemical, radiological or nuclear material, the appropriate actions on such incident shall conform to the Bureau's Interim Guidelines on Preparedness and Response to Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear (CBRN) Exposure Incidents. (Annex A, A-2)

RULE VII

Quarantine of Conveyances

SECTION 46. General Rules. —

(1) Any vessel or aircraft which the Director determines and considers to be infected with any infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC shall be placed under quarantine.

(2) No conveyance in quarantine is allowed to move or maneuver without the permission of the Director or his/her duly authorized representative.

(3) A vessel in quarantine shall hoist the quarantine flag at daytime or turn on the quarantine light at nighttime at its foremast.

SECTION 47. Person on Board a Conveyance in Quarantine. — Any person on board a conveyance in quarantine shall be subjected to quarantine measures until such time that clearance is given by a Quarantine Medical Officer. AEIDTc

RULE VIII

Vaccination Requirements for Travellers

SECTION 48. General Consideration. — The Director shall, whenever necessary, prescribe or require vaccination of crew and passengers of domestic and international conveyances if in his/her judgment such requirement is essential on account of varying public health threats.

SECTION 49. Vaccination for International Travel. —

(1) Any traveller arriving from yellow fever infected country shall be required to present valid International Certificates of Vaccination/ICV/Yellow Card against yellow fever if arriving within six days (6) from that area. The validity of this certificate shall extend for a period of ten (10) years, beginning ten (10) days after the date of immunization or re-immunization.

If yellow fever vaccination is contraindicated for medical reasons, a letter of medical exemption or waiver shall be obtained by the traveller from duly authorized health authorities of the country of origin.

(2) For a traveller from the Philippines to any country that requires certificate of yellow fever vaccination as a condition for entry, the yellow fever vaccination centers within the Bureau accredited by the WHO are the following stations: Quarantine Central Office, Manila; Cebu Quarantine Station; Davao Quarantine Station; and Iloilo Quarantine Station.

If yellow fever vaccination is contraindicated for medical reasons, a letter of medical exemption or waiver shall be obtained by the traveller from the Bureau.

(3) Only the Bureau is authorized to administer yellow fever vaccination for travellers.

RULE IX

Sanitation and Food Safety Requirements of Domestic Inter-island Vessels, Food Service Establishments Within the Premises of Ports/Airports, and In-Flight Catering Points

SECTION 50. General Consideration. — The Bureau shall take all necessary measures to ensure the maintenance of sanitation and food safety within food service establishments in ports/airports, and in-flight catering points, including the supervision and control of the sanitation and food safety practices of domestic inter-island vessels, in coordination with the port/airport authorities, including the shipping and in-flight catering industry. These measures shall be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XV of Presidential Decree 856, otherwise known as the "Sanitation Code of the Philippines".

SECTION 51. General Sanitary Requirements of Domestic Inter-Island Vessels. —

(1) Provision of adequate and proper storage of potable water on board with sanitary safeguards from the shore water distribution system;

(2) Adoption of the Good Manufacturing Practices and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) for food safety and sanitation on board;

(3) Provision of hand washing facilities;

(4) Provision of toilet facilities and approved sewage disposal and drainage system;

(5) Provision of the standard sanitary storage and disposal of waste products;

(6) Provision of adequate and safe accommodation facilities for crew and/or passengers; and

(7) Sustained vector control measures. IAETDc

SECTION 52. General Sanitary Requirements of Port/Airport Terminals, and Food Service Establishments Within the Premises of Ports/Airports, and In-Flight Catering Points. —

(1) Structural setup of port/airport terminals, and food service establishments within the premises of the ports or airports, and in-flight catering points shall comply with the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1096, otherwise known as the "National Building Code of the Philippines";

(2) The required facility for food handlers employed in food service establishments within the premises of the ports/airports and flight catering points must be provided;

(3) Provision of drinking water supply which is in accordance with "The Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water"; and

(4) All food service establishments within the premises of the ports/airports, and in-flight catering points must have a valid Hygiene and Food Safety Certificate obtained from the Bureau. Such certificate is separate and distinct from the sanitation permit issued by the Local Government Unit where the port, airport, or flight catering point is situated.

SECTION 53. Requirements to Ensure Food Safety. —

(1) Food safety program must be established and implemented in the premises of both domestic and international ports and airports, including vessels and aircrafts;

(2) Adoption of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) Audit System in monitoring the food safety program implemented in the premises of the ports and airports;

(3) Ensure that foods being served by food service establishments within ports and airports, both domestic and international, in-flight catering points and Inter-island vessels strictly comply with the provisions and guidance values of the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)/Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP); and

(4) Food-handlers and stewards must have valid health certificates issued by the Bureau. Such health certificate is separate and distinct from the health certificates issued by the Local Government Unit where the port, airport, or flight catering point is situated.

SECTION 54. Mobile Health Education Trip (Mobile Trip). — This is the on board inspection of all types of domestic inter-island passenger vessels while on voyage to monitor the actual performance of sanitation standards practiced by crew and passengers. The mobile health education trip shall include:

(1) Ocular inspection and document's review utilizing the GMP-HACCP System; and

(2) Conduct of information, education, communication (IEC) campaign; and survey on Knowledge, Attitude & Practice (KAP) on passengers;

(3) Dissemination of IEC materials.

SECTION 55. Monitoring and Evaluation. — The Bureau shall conduct a methodical examination and review of food safety and sanitary procedures being practiced, including documentation of system operations, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Bureau. A detailed report of findings including the Bureau's recommendations for deficiencies noted during the monitoring and evaluation shall be made. A copy of said report shall be furnished to the port or airport authorities for appropriate action.

RULE X

Exportation and Importation of Food Products, Cargoes, or Biological Materials for Medical Transplant, Research, and for Other Related Purposes

SECTION 56. Regulations on Exportation of Food Products. —

(1) Export shipment of food products shall obtain clearance certificate from the Bureau. A clearance certificate shall be issued by the Director in coordination with concerned agencies prior to loading once a representative sample of the food product is tested negative for Vibrio cholerae through a laboratory analysis performed by concerned Bureau of Quarantine personnel. IESTcD

(2) Laboratory analysis of food products required by these Rules shall be made from 0800-1200H and 1300-1700H, Mondays to Fridays. Any laboratory analysis performed outside of these hours and during Saturdays, Sundays and non-working holidays shall be subject to reasonable reimbursement by the requesting party in relation to incurred expenses and services rendered by the concerned Quarantine Personnel.

SECTION 57. Regulations on Importation of Cargoes. —

(1) Cargoes that are considered to harbor vectors of infectious diseases and/or potentially exposed to diseases subject to the IHR, emerging and re-emerging disease, and/or a PHEIC shall be subject to quarantine measures.

(2) Cargoes from plague-infected countries that are vulnerable to harbor rodents or fleas shall be fumigated prior to unloading in the port/airport.

(3) Gunny sacks or jute bags or cargoes wrapped with the same materials shall be fumigated prior to release to the consignee unless covered by a valid fumigation certificate/phytosanitary certificate.

(4) Cargoes exposed to hazardous materials such as chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear materials are subject to stringent quarantine inspection and measures in coordination with other concerned government agencies.

SECTION 58. Regulations on Importation and Exportation of Biological Materials for Medical Transplant, Research, and for Other Related Purposes. —

(1) Organs or tissues of human origin, culture of bacteria, any live microbe or collection of organisms, any insect, animal, plant or its by-products, potentially capable of causing or transmitting a disease to humans, shall not be admitted nor transported to and from the Philippines without the corresponding permit issued by the Director in coordination with other concerned agencies such as veterinary, plant, fish and wildlife quarantine.

(2) Organs or tissues or specimens of human origin for medical use or for clinical research shall secure quarantine clearance prior to their admission or shipment. The quarantine clearance shall only be issued provided that the necessary documents for such purpose shall be secured from the Food and Drug Administration and from other concerned agencies and submitted to the Bureau.

RULE XI

Transport of Human Remains

SECTION 59. Admission of Human Remains into the Country. — All human remains arriving in all Philippine points of entry shall be accompanied by the following documents prior to the issuance of quarantine clearance:

(1) Death certificate with proper translation from the appropriate authority from the country of origin;

(2) Embalming or Cremation Certificate as the case may be;

(3) Certificate to the effect that the remains has been properly placed in hermetically sealed container, casket or urn; and

(4) Certificate that there is no existence of infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging or re-emerging disease, or PHEIC from the health authority of the country of origin;

(5) Certification from the Consul at the country of origin.

SECTION 60. Permission to Transport Human Remains to Foreign or Domestic Destination. — All human remains for transport to foreign or domestic destination shall secure a quarantine permit before shipment. The following documents shall be required:

(1) Death certificate from the appropriate local authority;

(2) Embalming or Cremation certificate as the case may be; HICEca

(3) Certificate to the effect that the remains has been properly placed in the hermetically sealed container, casket or urn; and

(4) Certificate that there is no existence of infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging or re-emerging disease, or PHEIC from the local health authority.

(5) Certification from the Consul at the country of origin

SECTION 61. Human Remains Not Subject to Embalming Procedure. — All human remains for transport to foreign or domestic destination without the benefit of embalming procedure shall secure a quarantine permit before shipment. The following documents shall be required:

(1) Death Certificate duly certified by the appropriate authority with the cause of death clearly mentioned;

(2) The remains shall be placed in a cadaver/body bag made of material with superior strength, with safety seals, can hold a minimum of 250 pounds weight, leak resistant, provides full containment of blood-borne pathogens, and preferably of Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard;

(3) The cadaver body bag shall be placed in a crate or any type of container with provision for strong lifting handles or fittings; and

(4) Transport or shipment shall be within twenty four (24) hours from the time of death to avoid decomposition.

SECTION 62. Human Remains During Epidemics/Outbreaks, Public Health Emergencies, or Deaths Caused by Highly Pathogenic Organisms. — The Bureau reserves the right to allow or disallow the transport of human remains whose death occurred during epidemics/outbreaks or the cause of death is due to highly pathogenic organisms, infectious disease subject to the IHR, emerging or re-emerging disease, and public health emergencies of international concern or PHEIC. If transport is allowed for such human remains, the following measures shall be undertaken as the case may be to ensure public health safety:

(1) The remains shall be cremated before shipment; or

(2) For remains that do not require cremation, the casket shall be permanently and hermetically sealed from the port of origin until burial. The burial must take place within twenty-four (24) hours after the issuance of clearance of admission into the country.

RULE XII

Measures During Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC)

SECTION 63. Preparedness and Response Guidelines. —

(1) The Bureau shall institute and implement rules and regulations governing the prevention or control of the introduction and spread of PHEIC at points of entry. (Annex B)

(2) When an outbreak of a PHEIC with the potential to cross borders occurs in other countries, the Director shall closely coordinate with the following bureaus and regional offices of the Department of Health (DOH): Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS), National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (NCDPC), National Epidemiology Center (NEC), National Center for Health Facilities and Development (NCHFD), Centers for Health and Development (CHDs); and other concerned government agencies, such as, but not limited to, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), to prevent the introduction and spread of such public health emergency into the country. (Annex B)

(3) In the event that suspects or cases are determined at points of entry, guidelines established by the Bureau in coordination with other relevant offices shall apply. (Annex B-1)

(4) The Director shall recommend to the Secretary of Health other measures as may be necessary to contain the spread of such PHEIC beyond points of entry. The Secretary of Health, in turn, shall have the authority to mobilize other government agencies for the purpose of preventing the introduction, transmission and spread of a PHEIC into the country. IcaEDC

RULE XIII

Medical Clearance of Aliens/Foreigners for Immigration Purposes

SECTION 64. Medical Examination of Aliens/Foreigners for Immigration Purposes. —

(1) Section 4 (a) of RA No. 9271 mandates the Bureau to conduct medical examination of aliens/foreigners seeking residency in the country as a pre-requisite to the issuance of their corresponding visa by the Bureau of Immigration.

(2) The Director or his/her duly authorized representative shall issue the medical clearance of aliens/foreigners seeking residency in the country provided that all examination requirements shall be completed/satisfied.

RULE XIV

Utilization of Income

SECTION 65. Authority to Utilize Income. — Pursuant to Section 9 of RA No. 9271, the Bureau is authorized to use at least fifty percent (50%) of the income generated, subject to accounting and auditing rules and regulations. Accordingly, the following guidelines shall govern the utilization of such income:

(1) At least fifty percent (50%) of the income generated shall be retained by the Bureau and constituted as a Trust Fund for Capital Outlays and for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenditures of the Bureau (MOOE). Provided, however, no amount in the said Trust Fund shall be used for the payment of salaries and other allowances and benefits in cash or in kind.

(2) The remaining balance of the generated income referred in Subsection (1) shall be considered as unretained income by the Bureau and shall be treated as Income in the General Fund to be remitted to the Bureau of Treasury.

(3) The Bureau shall maintain separate books of accounts to cover the receipt and utilization of all income collected pursuant to the usual budgeting, accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

(4) Such income as enumerated below, which shall be referred to as "Quarantine income" in this Section, shall be constituted as Trust Fund and shall be deposited in any authorized government depository bank (AGDB).

(A) Service Fees

1. Fees for Vaccination;

2. Fees in relation to the issuance of medical clearance of aliens/foreigners seeking residency in the country;

3. Fees in relation to the issuance of health cards for food handlers in ports and airports, catering points, and domestic inter-island vessels;

4. Health Sanitation Certificate of food establishments within ports and airports;

5. Ship Sanitation Certificate fees for local and foreign registered vessels;

6. Fees for foodstuff examination;

7. Fees for permit to transport human remains and shipment of specimen for study or examination;

8. Certification of documents; and other fees that may be prescribed by the Bureau, whenever necessary.

(B) Fines and penalties EcaDCI

(5) The interest income arising from the Trust Fund shall be remitted to the Bureau of Treasury.

(6) The utilization of the income shall be approved by the Director upon the recommendation of the Management Committee of the Bureau in the form of a Resolution, copy furnished the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health (OSEC-DOH) and the Department of Budget and Management.

(7) The Bureau shall submit to the Department of Budget and Management, copy furnished the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health, a Quarterly Report of Estimated Income Collection and Utilization and a Status of Actual Quarterly Income Collection and Utilization certified correct by Bureau Budget Officer and Accountant, recommended by the Management Committee and duly approved by the Head of Office or Director of the Bureau. (Annex C, C-1)

RULE XV

Administrative Proceedings and Penalties

SECTION 66. Administrative Proceedings. — The Bureau shall, motu proprio, or upon filing of charges or complaints by any individual, corporation, association, or organization, against any vessel or aircraft or any of its personnel that/who has violated or is violating the provisions of RA No. 9271 and/or of these Rules, investigate and verify if the vessel, aircraft, or any of its personnel, is guilty of violating the provisions of RA No. 9271 and/or of these Rules. If upon investigation and hearing, the vessel, aircraft or any of its personnel is found violating the provisions of RA No. 9271 and/or of these Rules, the Director shall impose the following administrative sanctions:

1. First Offense — Warning

2. Second Offense — Public Censure (at the expense of the Guilty Party)

3. Third Offense — Fine of Php100,000.00 to Php250,000.00, without prejudice to the withholding of operation of the vessel or aircraft

4. Fourth Offense — Fine of Php250,001.00 to Php500,000.00, without prejudice to the withholding of operation of the vessel or aircraft

The amount of administrative fine shall depend upon the degree of the severity of the offense and the impact on public health.

The amount collected from the administrative penalties shall be forfeited in favor of the Bureau.

SECTION 67. Appeal. — Any vessel or aircraft aggrieved by the decision of the Bureau may, within fifteen (15) days after the receipt of notice of the decision, file a notice of appeal with the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health (OSEC-DOH), and serve a copy thereof to the Bureau. Thereupon, the Bureau shall promptly certify and forward a copy of the Decision, including all the documents and transcripts of the hearings, if any, upon which the Decision was based, for the OSEC-DOH to review. The Decision of the Secretary of Health on such appeal shall be final.

SECTION 68. Criminal Penalties. — Any person who violates any provision of these Rules or the Quarantine Act of 2004 shall be penalized by a fine of not less than Ten Thousand Pesos (Php10,000.00) but not more than Fifty Thousand Pesos (Php50,000.00) or by imprisonment of not more than one (1) year or both at the discretion of the court of competent jurisdiction.

RULE XVI

Clause and Effectivity

SECTION 69. Suppletory Clause. — The International Health Regulations (IHR) of the World Health Organization (WHO) shall supplement the provisions of these Rules.

SECTION 70. Separability Clause. — In the event that any section or provision of these Rules shall be declared by the court to be unconstitutional or invalid, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the Rules as a whole or any part thereof other than the part so declared to be unconstitutional or invalid. TCEaDI

SECTION 71. Repealing Clause. — All Administrative orders, issuances, or rules and regulations regarding foreign and local quarantine concerns in conflict with the provisions of the Rules are hereby repealed, modified, or revised accordingly; Provided that, any rights vested upon the effectivity of these Rules shall not be impaired.

SECTION 72. Effectivity. — These Rules shall take effect fifteen days (15) after publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation and upon submission of sufficient certified and electronic copies thereof with the Office of the National Administrative Register, UP Law Complex, Diliman, Quezon City.

RECOMMENDED BY:

(SGD.) EDGARDO C. SABITSANA, MD, MPH, CESO IIIDirector IVBureau of Quarantine

APPROVED:

(SGD.) ENRIQUE T. ONA, MD, FACS, FPCSSecretary of HealthDepartment of Health

ANNEX A

PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE TO INCIDENTS OF CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL OR NUCLEAR (CBRN) EXPOSURE

Interim Guidelines on Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear Exposure

The Bureau of Quarantine will respond and perform its roles in the event that incidents of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear exposure occurs in accordance with the Department of Health's interim guidelines on preparedness and response to these exposure incidents. This is in response to the WHO-Health Assembly resolution, Global public health response to natural occurrence, accidental release or deliberate use of biological agents or radio nuclear-material that affect health, and part of the government's 14 Pillars of Policies and Actions against terrorism (Malacañang Memo 37 dated October 2001).

The role of the Bureau of Quarantine, in coordination with other concerned government agencies, includes the prevention of the introduction and spread of agents deliberately released in relation to a CBRN exposure incident through effective quarantine and isolation within its areas of responsibility.

The following are the specific roles and responsibilities of the Bureau of Quarantine:

1. Develop protocols and field operation guides in the management of suspected persons or cases, vessels and aircrafts allegedly exposed to such incidents in coordination with other agencies;

2. Conduct surveillance, preparedness and response procedures to CBRN exposure incidents at the points of entry;

3. Monitor public health threats related to the deliberate release of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents occurring in other countries;

4. Provide technical inputs in the development of training design and alert system on entry-exit management; and

5. Provide information on most likely scenarios and targets for CBRN exposure incidents within its areas of responsibility.

ANNEX A-1

Protocol for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Terrorism Response an Shipping

ANNEX A-2

Protocol for Chemical and Biological Terrorism Response in Aviation

ANNEX B

Measures During Outbreak of Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC)

A. Guidelines on Preparation:

• Preparation of case definition of the public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) for dissemination to all Quarantine Medical Officers, Quarantine Stations, port and airport authorities, government agencies and other concerned agencies. HDATSI

• Effective communication system for rapid notification and information between the Bureau of Quarantine with airport/port authorities, airline/shipping companies, security and other government agencies (Custom, Immigration, Quarantine-Animal, (DA-BAI)), etc.

• Preparation of guidelines or protocols on the screening and handling of passengers arriving from international flights.

• Preparation of a Health Checklist to be filled up by incoming crew and passengers of international flights.

• Preparation of guidelines on the handling of suspects/cases while on board.

• Preparation of guidelines on the clearance of arriving aircraft/vessels coming from infected countries.

• Information dissemination to stakeholders, persons, and community in the areas of responsibility.

• Procurement of protective equipment and supplies.

• Collaboration and exchange of information on the entry-exit management of PHEIC among countries and close coordination with international health organizations (WHO, CDC, other health institutions) on the updates and policy formulation/implementation.

B. Response:

• Implementation of the tailored action plans

1. Filling up of Health Checklist by incoming crew and passengers of international flights and voyages if necessary.

2. Mandatory use of appropriate personal protective equipment [PPE], (e.g., health workers, suspects, other concerned individuals).

3. Temperature screening of crew and passengers arriving and departing from international flights and voyages by the use of thermal scanners, forehead strips, non-mercurial thermometers, etc.

4. Medical examination at the Quarantine Inspection Area/Holding Area of suspects and contacts arriving or departing from international flights and voyages, determine suspects/contacts to be referred to a dedicated facility or prescribed voluntary home confinement with active or passive surveillance.

5. Issuance of Health Alert cards and other Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials to travellers.

6. Activation of referral system with dedicated facilities.

7. Institute other health measures that are necessary (disinfection, decontamination, disinsection).

• During an outbreak, febrile patients shall be strongly advised against traveling, unless the reason for travel is to seek medical consultation for the illness, in which case; appropriate barrier nursing measures should be followed.

• Prohibition of non-essential travels to a disease-affected country may be recommended.

• Collection, collation and reporting of data for dissemination to concerned agencies (OSEC, NEC, NCDPC, NAIA, etc.)

• Effective networking with the port and airport authorities, airline and shipping companies, Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ), and other government and non-government agencies. ADSTCa

ANNEX B-1

Protocol on the Management of Suspects/Cases at Points of Entry (POE)

ANNEX B-2

Health Checklist

ANNEX C

Quarterly Estimate of Income Collection and Utilization

ANNEX C-1

Actual Quality Income Collection and Utilization

ANNEX D

Republic Act No. 9271March 19, 2004