Seaman home after 8 years, still stuck in quarantine

A seaman who has not been home for eight years already was still stuck in quarantine amid the holidays.

According to Cedric Castillo’s report on “24 Oras” on Thursday, Efren Pamaos arrived in the country on December 18 to supposedly celebrate Christmas and New Year with his family.

However, despite testing negative for the coronavirus, Pamaos was still required to undergo quarantine until January 1.

”Dumating po ako ng 18 ng gabi sa Pilipinas. Puro pilahan po ang nangyari. Pila sa Red Cross para sa QR code tapos pila ulit sa pa-swab test tapos pila ulit sa immigration,” he said.

“Pagdating ko po dito ng 22, sabi nila January 1 sabi ko po nagbiro pa po ako na baka puwede bago mag January 1 eh ang sabi di raw talaga puwede,” he added.

Pamaos said he was supposed to return home in November but he had difficulty in booking a flight.

But despite celebrating Christmas away from them anew, Pamaos’ family was still happy that he is in good health.

“Masaya po kami kaso nalungkot po noong na-move ‘yong flight kasi akala po namin makakapag-Pasko siya dito ‘yong tipong Noche Buena pero baka i-video call na lang namin si daddy kasi baka malungkot siya doon eh,” Efren’s daughter, Lhianher, said.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News