Ten cruise ships with over 3,000 Pinoy crew still in Manila Bay

Ten cruise ships with more than 3,000 Filipino seafarers onboard are currently docked in Manila Bay as part of the government’s effort to repatriate thousands of overseas Filipino workers amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to a 24 Oras report by Raffy Tima on Wednesday, upon disembarkation, the Filipinos would be made to undergo their mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Commander Armand Balilo, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson, said the cruise ships are still waiting for clearance from the Bureau of Quarantine for the disembarkation of the crew members.

Balilo said the seafarers would still need to undergo mandatory quarantine once they step out.

Meanwhile, the PCG has put in place a new protocol that requires crew members to go through COVID-19 testing to find out if they are indeed positive for the disease.

With the new protocol, manning agencies would lessen their cost and the crew members would be able to use their certification so they can enter their respective provinces.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News