Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said all 38 Filipino seafarers aboard MV Hondius have not been infected with hantavirus despite the outbreak linked to the cruise ship that reportedly killed three passengers.
Speaking during a media briefing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, Cacdac said the Filipino crew members continue to be monitored by Philippine authorities.
“So thus far, yung barko is reportedly somewhere near the Canary Islands and based on the last report, pinayagan silang magdaong sa Canary Islands with the 38 Filipino crew on board,” Cacdac said.
“And all 38 Filipino crew have reportedly not been afflicted. Hindi sila nadapuan ng hantavirus,” he added.
The DMW chief said the outbreak mainly affected passengers onboard the vessel, some of whom were reportedly hospitalized after being evacuated.
Cacdac assured the public that the Philippine government, through the DMW, Department of Foreign Affairs, and Department of Health, continues to coordinate closely with international health authorities, including the World Health Organization.
He added that the DMW and DOH are maintaining communication with the crew members through the ship’s manning agency and operators.
Authorities are also providing assistance and updates to the families of the affected Filipino seafarers.
While some crew members reportedly want to return home, Cacdac said any repatriation would depend on international medical clearances and health protocols.
“Wino-workout naman din ang kanilang safe repatriation, but we just need to be a little more patient as this is a global concern,” he said.
The World Health Organization earlier said the hantavirus cases linked to the vessel may have originated before passengers boarded the cruise ship, although human-to-human transmission has not been ruled out.
