The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) imposed a ban on bringing Samsung Galaxy Note 7 in airports and flights in the Philippines.
This is following reports that the device catches fire and some airlines worldwide have already prohibited the smartphones during flights.
CAAP issued a memorandum order prohibiting Galaxy Note 7 in airport premises and on board the aircraft and cargo flights.
“Pursuant to the powers vested on the director general of the CAAP under RA 9497 otherwise known as the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippine Act of 2008 and in the interest of aviation safety, all carriage of Samsung galaxy Note 7 devices are forbidden in airport premises, on board the aircraft and cargo flights,” the CAAP’s Memorandum Circular 34-16 says.
The said memorandum was issued on October 13 and applies to all Philippine carriers under CAAP’s watch.
“All operators are hereby advised to strictly implement this memorandum circular,” it said.
On Tuesday, the Philippine Airlines announced that it is now enforcing a total ban on carrying Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices in airport premises, on board the aircraft and as cargo shipment of the passengers.
In a statement sent to media on Tuesday, PAL cited the CAAP memorandum circular.
It advised the passengers currently traveling with Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones to contact Samsung or their wireless carrier immediately to obtain information on how to return their phones and arrange for a refund or a replacement device.
READ: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Flight Ban Spreads Worldwide
On Monday, eight international airlines have also joined in the act to ban the device from all flights.
AirAsia, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Malaysia Airlines, All Nippon Airways and Air New Zealand have all announced bans on the phone.
This is following the decision of the US Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration to ban Galaxy Note 7 on flights from and to the US.
In an emergency order, together with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), any person failing to compel with the Emergency Order is subject to civil penalties up to $179,933 for each violation of the Hazardous Materials Regulations. A person violating this Order may also be subject to criminal prosecution, which may result in fines under title 18, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both.
Last week, Samsung Electronics, the largest smartphone permanently stopped Galaxy Note 7 production, after they recalled around 2.5 million phones in September after complaints of exploding batteries.