My son just had an 18 hr layover in Manila airport. He was not only not allowed to leave airport, but was taken to a holding room with about 25 other passengers,
had their passports taken, and wasn't allowed to leave room. No food.
After 16 hrs, he asked if he could go to gate, departure 2 hrs away. They said soon. He continued to ask, until flight time was 30 min away. He then called US Embassy.
Embassy talked with official and only then did they escort him to his flight. He's a college student ! Just wrong...he was quite afraid. No reason to treat people
this way. He never wants to see the country again.