MANILA — Eighteen Filipino seafarers quarantined in the Netherlands following a deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship will be released on June 18, the Philippine government said Monday.
Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the crew members of the MV Hondius were placed under quarantine after three passengers died of hantavirus. The workers have been divided into two groups — 21 hotel staff held in Amsterdam and 17 deck and engine workers, along with three hotel workers, held in Rotterdam.
Cacdac said all individuals under quarantine have so far tested negative and remain asymptomatic.
“So far, all of them have tested negative. No symptoms. And we hope it stays that way until June 18,” he told reporters at a press briefing in Mandaluyong City.
Philippine authorities said they are coordinating with the Department of Health, the Philippine embassy in The Hague, Dutch health officials, and the ship’s owner to ensure compliance with health protocols.
DMW Undersecretary Felicitas Bay said mental health professionals are conducting regular wellness sessions and maintaining daily communication with the quarantined workers throughout the period.
Thousands More Monitored in Persian Gulf
Beyond the Netherlands, Philippine authorities said they have intensified monitoring of thousands of Filipino seafarers deployed in international waters, particularly along high-risk routes in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
Cacdac said approximately 3,000 Filipino seafarers remain within the Persian Gulf, while around 1,500 have already transited through the Strait of Hormuz. He stressed that all are safe and continuing their duties as their vessels remain in operation.
Families of the seafarers are continuing to receive financial remittances and mandated allotments, Cacdac said, adding that labor attachés, ship owners, and crew maintain daily contact to ensure rapid response to any emerging concerns.
“So we will continue monitoring them, and hopefully, the Strait will open again so that their exits can become regular,” Cacdac said.
