CEB totally bans Samsung Galaxy Note 7

Returned boxes of Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Note 7 smartphones are placed at a shop of South Korean mobile carrier in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. Samsung Electronics says it has expanded its recall of Galaxy Note 7 smartphones in the U.S. to include all replacement devices the company offered as a presumed safe alternative after the original Note 7s were found prone to catch fire. AP

Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) has expanded its ban on the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 to all its flights, citing the fire hazard the device poses.

Initially, CEB implemented the prohibition only on its Guam-bound flights, but on Tuesday it broadened the ban to include all its flights, including Cebu Pacific-Tiger Airways (Cebgo).

“CEB extended the ban to cover all flights in its network as the fire hazard the Galaxy Note 7 poses brings huge risks to the safety of passengers and crew,” said a CEB advisory.

Passengers may not have the device on their person or

their carry-on and checked baggage. They are also banned on cargo flights.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in an Oct. 13 memorandum announced a total ban on Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones at all airports nationwide as well.

The memorandum was issued by CAAP acting Director General Jim Sydiongco. —JEANNETTE I. ANDRADE