MANILA, Philippines ? The baby who was suspected of having the swine flu virus has tested negative for the infection although three others have been placed under observation, the Department of Health has announced.

In a phone interview Tuesday, health undersecretary Mario Villaverde said the three included a 67-year-old Filipina who came from Japan and two foreigners, a 37-year-old male from the United States and a 32-year-old female from India.

There have been 68 persons observed by the health agency since May 1, 65 were discharged from hospitals after laboratory results for the novel flu virus turned out to be negative, said Villaverde.

Laboratory results of the throat specimen of the three persons under observation will be out late Tuesday afternoon but will be released Wednesday, said Villaverde.

The laboratory results are submitted for analysis at the Research Institute for Tropical Medical (RITM) in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

Neighboring countries of the Philippines such as Japan and China have reported swine flu infections, prompting the DOH to issue public warnings.

?The threat of influenza AH1N1 is getting nearer our country. Thus, the DOH reiterates that all incoming passengers from countries with confirmed cases should closely monitor their health status for 10 days from arrival. Should they develop flu-like signs, they are advised to seek medical consultation early for prompt testing and for immediate institution of proper medical management,? said Villaverde.

There is no cause for alarm among the public for the novel flu virus as the country remains free from it with 0 positive cases, added Dr. Lyndee Lee Suy, program director for Dengue and Infectious Diseases arm of the DOH.

?The government is intensifying measures to prevent the existence and spread of the AH1N1 in the country. DOH is on its way to meet the target 1 million Tamiflu capsules against the virus and is continuing public health advisories for the fight against swine flu,? said Lee Suy in a separate phone interview.