Metro Manila, Philippines – Pending the repatriation of the 38 Filipino crew members of hantavirus-stricken MV Hondius, the Department of Migrant Workers assured the public that proper medical measures will be in place for their return.
In a press briefing on Thursday, May 8, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac addressed growing health concerns and assured the public that medical clearances and health protocols coordinated with the Department of Health will be strictly implemented for the seafarers.
Cacdac said the agency has been in contact with the seafarers and assured their families of the government’s continued support and commitment to their safety.
“Ang pinakamahalaga dito ay we are in contact with the seafarers on board through the manning agent and ship owner, so alam natin ano situation nila on board,” he said.
[Translation: What’s important here is that we are in contact with the seafarers on board through the manning agent and ship owner, so we know their situation on board.]
Earlier this week, Health Undersecretary Albert Domingo said that none of the Filipino crew members had contracted the rat-borne virus.
The MV Hondius is expected to dock in Tenerife within the week after Spain’s Health Minister Monica Garcia granted the vessel permission to dock in the Canary Islands.
Garcia earlier told reporters that all non-Spanish citizens would be repatriated to their respective countries once they are confirmed not to have contracted the virus.
