By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – The second batch of Filipinos manning the hantavirus-stricken MV Hondius arrived in the Netherlands to start their quarantine before their eventual return to the Philippines.
The 17 crew members, along with other foreign passengers, were part of the latest evacuation flights arranged by the Netherlands from Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands that landed at the Eindhoven Airport early Tuesday morning.
“The Philippine Embassy in The Hague is in close contact with Dutch authorities and the Migrant Workers Offices in Berlin on arrangements for the eventual repatriation of the altogether 38 Filipino crew members to the Philippines,” said the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands on Tuesday.
“The Embassy conveys its appreciation for the Netherlands Government’s proactive and careful handling of this public health emergency, with strict observance of applicable protocols,” it added.
The embassy said all crew members underwent medical tests upon arrival before proceeding to designated local facilities for their quarantine.
At least 17 more remain on the ship and are expected to arrive in Rotterdam on May 18 onboard the MV Hondius.
The latest group was welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya, who joined Dutch health and foreign ministry officials in receiving the passengers.
The first batch of four Filipino crew members arrived in the Netherlands last Sunday. (PNA)
