DMW chief visits Filipinos from hantavirus-hit ship, thanks Dutch gov't
MANILA, Philippines — Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac visited Filipino seafarers quarantined in the Netherlands after a hantavirus case was reported aboard the MV Hondius, thanking Dutch authorities for assisting the crew during the health scare.
At a press briefing upon his arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 late Sunday afternoon, Cacdac said coordination with the Dutch government had been strong as Filipino crew members underwent testing, quarantine and monitoring.
"Nagpapasalamat tayo na very strong ang coordination with the Dutch government dahil sa panahon ito na matindi ang pangangailangan ng tripulante natin, talagang nandoon ang suporta natin at nagpahayag din tayo ng suporta sa kanila," Cacdac said, as quoted in a Philippine News Agency report.
(We are grateful for the strong coordination with the Dutch government because at this time when our crew members are in great need, our support is truly there and we have also expressed our appreciation to them.)
Cacdac said his visit to the crew was part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to strengthen labor diplomacy with countries hosting overseas Filipino workers.
Crew under quarantine
Of the MV Hondius' 38 Filipino crew members, 21 are under quarantine and monitoring in Amsterdam, Cacdac said.
The rest underwent testing and quarantine after arriving in Rotterdam on May 18.
Cacdac said all Filipino crew members tested negative for hantavirus and have no symptoms.
The crew members are under stringent health protocols during a 42-day quarantine period, which is set to end on June 18.
The Department of Health earlier said the 42-day quarantine period for people potentially exposed to hantavirus is based on the virus' incubation period, during which symptoms may appear four to 42 days after exposure.
Cacdac said the Department of Migrant Workers is coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs under a whole-of-government approach to protect the welfare of the affected seafarers.
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