Davao-Singapore flights watched

DAVAO CITY — Health authorities here have redoubled efforts to watch over travelers who come into the city through a thrice-weekly direct flight from Singapore, in an effort to contain the spread of the pneumonia-like illness severe acute respiratory syndrome.

SilkAir flies between Davao City and Singapore three times a week, though the plane passes by Cebu City first. On its return flight to Singapore, Davao City is the port of exit.

Bouraq Indonesia Airlines and Merpati Airlines also have direct flights between Davao City and Manado, Indonesia.

"We are watching the entry of these people tightly even if Davao City is only the second airport that SilkAir (planes) land on when they arrive from Singapore. The airline crew and other passengers still have to come down at the airport for their immigration processing," Dolores Castillo, Department of Health director for Southern Mindanao, told The STAR. — Edith Regalado