Pinoy crew tells of anguish while under quarantine aboard Diamond Princess

Although used to life at sea, a Filipino crew member of Diamond Princess said the possible spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among the people onboard the cruise ship has brought anguish.

According to a report by Bernadette Reyes on 24 Oras, the operations inside the ship were on-going while it was under quarantine in Japan.

"Eh, hindi nga namin alam nasaan 'yung virus. Dapat nga, eh, hindi na kami nagtratrabaho. Dapat nagpapahinga na kami," Roger, not his real name, said.

However, the management urged them to continue their daily activities due to the presence of passengers on board.

The crew members of the Diamond Princess worked for five days in a week. Despite the two days rest, Roger said that the worry prevented him from truly relaxing.

"Pagod talaga as in. Mentally, eh, halo-halo talaga kasi nag-aalala kami dito, nag-aalala rin kami para sa diyan sa inyo sa Pilipinas," Roger said.

According to Roger, Filipinos onboard had swab test on Thursday.

Those who will test postive will be isolated in a medical facility in Japan while those who be found negative will return to the Philippines to undergo another 14-day quarantine at the New Clark City in Tarlac.

Authorities said they will be repatriated on Sunday.

"Mas okay na rin sa'min 'yun kasi nandiyan na kami, eh, parang mababawasan ka na ng iniisip kumbaga," Roger said.

The crew members will get a two-month leave with pay as well as paid services while on board the cruise ship.

"Sana nga matuloy na 'yun kasi walang ibang dalangin ang mga crew dito kundi makauwi," he added. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News