MANILA - The Bureau of Immigration on Monday clarified Taiwan's inclusion in the expanded travel ban implemented by the Philippine government earlier this month amid the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) threat.

"We have confirmed with the Department of Justice, which is our mother department, that Taiwan is indeed included in the expanded travel ban," Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said in a statement.

“While not explicitly stated, we have confirmed with the Secretary of Justice that Taiwan is indeed part of the ban, and this expansion shall be implemented immediately,” he added.

• PH imposes travel ban on China as new coronavirus infections rise globally

The Department of Health earlier clarified that travelers from Taiwan are covered by the travel ban.

• Taiwan included in travel ban — DOH clarifies

Like other countries, the Philippines follows the “One-China policy,” which considers Republic of China-controlled Taiwan as part of the People’s Republic of China.

Following the clarification from authorities, Cebu Pacific announced it will be suspending its flights between Manila and Taiwan following the latter's inclusion in the government's travel ban.

In a statement, the airline said it will be suspending its Manila-Taipei and Taipei-Manila flights starting Feb. 11 until further notice.

Affected flights are as follows:

Manila-Taipei
5J 312
5J 310

Taipei-Manila
5J 311 (starting Feb. 12)
5J 313

Cebu Pacific also said it has notified the passengers of the affected flights. They will also be given the option to rebook their flights, refund the tickets or store the value of the ticket for future use.

Several airlines have previously suspended flights between the Philippines and mainland China and its territories amid the outbreak of the new coronavirus.