38 Filipino crew of MV Hondius seek repatriation amid hantavirus infections

MANILA, May 8 ------ The 38 Filipino crew members aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius want to return home but must first undergo strict medical clearances and health protocols before they can be repatriated, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said.

Cacdac, who recently returned from New York for the International Migration Review Forum, said the situation involving the vessel has become a matter of global concern that requires coordination among several governments and health authorities. The MV Hondius, which is currently bound for the Canary Islands, was allowed by Spanish authorities to dock there following reports of hantavirus infections among passengers.

Latest reports showed that three passengers had died while at least one had been hospitalized. “Based on the last report, pinayagan silang magdaong sa Canary Islands with the 38 Filipino crew on board,” Cacdac said. “All 38 Filipino crew have reportedly not been afflicted.”

The DMW chief stressed, however, that the Filipino crew cannot yet immediately return home despite their desire to do so. “Well, they really want to get out of the ship and go home. So, that's also our goal,” he said. “As I said, we need to give the proper medical authorities and the processes, the clearances and protocols time to take shape, as well as, to be implemented."

Cacdac emphasized that repatriation would depend on guidance from health experts and international medical protocols. “And rest assured, there will be proper medical protocols,” he said. “They will just have to go through the proper medical clearances and protocols before they can safely return home.”

He said the DMW is coordinating closely with the Department of Health (DOH), led by Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, following instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “DMW and DOH, as per directive of the President, have joined forces here already,” Cacdac said. He added that the situation involves the World Health Organization, the Spanish government, and authorities in the Canary Islands. “It's not just a simple OFW welfare case. This is a situation of a global concern, global scale,” Cacdac said.

While the Filipino crew members continue to work aboard the vessel, the DMW chief said medical safeguards are in place. “Yes, you're right, they continue to work. However, there are proper medical protocols also to observe,” he said. “And that our seafarers, our 38 seafarers, will not be in harm's way in terms of exposing them to the virus.

Cacdac acknowledged that the government still lacks detailed information on how the crew members were medically assessed as virus-free, but said assurances came from the manning agency and the ship owner. “We had been assured by the manning agency and the ship owner, who would be the best to know what goes on board, that our 38 Filipino seafarers had not been afflicted,” he said. “But that doesn't mean that they did not go through some form of medical testing.”

The DMW chief also said the government has started reaching out to the families of the affected crew members. “We are in contact with the seafarers on board through the manning agent and the ship owner. So, we know their situation on board,” he said. “We are also reaching out to the families of the 38 and assure them of governmental support.” Cacdac added that the Department of Foreign Affairs, headed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, is also involved in monitoring the situation and preparing for possible repatriation efforts.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com