May 25, 2026
Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has thanked the Netherlands for the assistance to the Filipino crew members of the hantavirus-hit MV Hondius.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo na very strong ang coordination with the Dutch government dahil sa panahong ito na matindi ang pangangailangan ng tripulante natin, talagang nandoon ang suporta natin at nagpahayag din tayo ng suporta sa kanila (We are grateful for the very strong coordination with the Dutch government because at this time when our crew members are in great need, our support is truly there and we have also expressed our appreciation to them),” Cacdac said in a press briefing upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 late Sunday afternoon.
Cacdac said he visited Filipino seafarers undergoing quarantine in the Netherlands, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen labor diplomacy with host countries of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
He said out of MV Hondius’ 38 Filipino crew members, 21 are currently under quarantine and monitoring in the Dutch capital of Amsterdam, while the rest underwent testing and quarantine upon arrival in Rotterdam on May 18.
All of them are negative for hantavirus and have no symptoms, Cacdac added.
Stringent health protocols are also being implemented during the 42-day quarantine period for the crew, which ends on June 18.
The Department of Health earlier said the 42-day quarantine period for individuals potentially exposed to hantavirus is based on the virus’ incubation period, during which symptoms may appear between four and 42 days after exposure.
Under the whole-of-government approach, Cacdac says they are closely coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs to uphold the welfare of OFWs.
Meanwhile, as of May 24, the DMW said 10,129 OFWs, their dependents, and stranded Filipinos have been repatriated by the government amid the tensions in the Middle East.
The government has also provided financial and emergency assistance to 34,188 OFWs and other affected Filipinos upon President Marcos’ directive.
In total, the DMW said the government has provided 70,148 on-site services, including food, transport, shelter, and medical assistance, to OFWs and their loved ones, including other forms of assistance and welfare support. (PNA)