59 Filipino seafarers, tourists repatriated from Spain – DFA

A total of 59 stranded Filipino seafarers and tourists who were stranded in Spain were repatriated last week, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday.

In a statement, the DFA said 59 Filipinos, 49 of whom are seafarers, arrived in Manila on January 13.

The department said a chartered flight was arranged by Travel Cue company in response to the call of shipping companies to bring home their stranded Filipino seafarers and crewmembers.

The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona also requested the travel company to accommodate stranded Filipino tourists who approached the Consulate General and the Philippine Embassy in Madrid for assistance.

“Philippine Team Spain worked closely with Travel Cue and concerned authorities in Spain and the Philippines to give clearance for the chartered flight to fly from Barcelona and enter the Philippines,” the DFA said.

“The passengers will observe the quarantine protocols in place pursuant to the latest IATF resolution,” it added.

The Philippines earlier lifted the ban on the entry of travelers from Red List countries and territories, which includes Spain. — VBL, GMA News