DOTr clarified on the alleged “Unsafe” quarantine vessels

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has clarified accusations that the floating vessels provided by shipping firm 2Go meant as temporary facilities are not conducive and unsafe for returning seafarers.

This was after an active seafarer has posted in Facebook his warning to his fellow seafarers, telling them to think twice in flying back to the country, as regulators “has failed” to provide safe quarantine facilities in containing Novel coronavirus 2019 (Covid 19).

DOTr statement below:

We would like to acknowledge and address the social media posts of Mr. Edward Yap and Ms. Edelle Deci, OFWs who were part of the repatriated group who arrived yesterday April 16, and was billeted at the 2Go ship assigned as a quarantine facility.

Firstly, we thank Edward and Edelle for bringing this issue to our attention, and with their indulgence, we would like to address their concerns one by one.

1. On the matter of the room and bed arrangements, we would like to point out that most of the beds in the said vessel are built-in, fixed type, as part of the original ship design and configuration. The said vessel has been offered by 2Go to help our government in augmenting the requirements for quarantine facility. It should be highlighted that the vessel has a 1,200 passenger capacity, but, in order to ensure the observance of strict protocols on social distancing, we are only accommodating at most 400 persons.

2. This is also one reason why some of the bed bunks had no mattresses, as they were deliberately removed for non-utilization. In a 4-bunk bed configuration, only one bed will be utilized. Sec. Tugade also directed maritime officials to coordinate with the ship owner to explore the possibility of removing the beds that are not in use.

3. The ROOM ACCOMMODATION for the 14-day required stay is FREE OF CHARGE. As for the P180 fee being imposed, please note that these are optional fees for the 3 meals (P60/meal) which 2Go is required to prepare and serve for the quarantined individuals. These are to be shouldered by the manning and recruitment agencies. In the meantime that the OFWs are adjusting, and with arrangements with the manpower agency and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) still in discussions, Secretary Arthur Tugade has directed the PCG and MARINA to temporarily shoulder the food expense and discuss among themselves, together with the manning/recruitment agencies how to go about the payment later on. And if the person would not want to avail of the in-house meals, they also have the option to buy food and other essentials at the mini mart located also inside the vessel.

4. In as far as the discovery of cockroaches in certain areas, personnel from 2Go were already alerted, and sanitation procedures have been immediately adopted. Rest assured that this issue will be fully addressed and mitigated.

With this, we hope to have fully addressed the concerns of Edward and Edelle, and the other members of his group. In view of this Covid-19 pandemic, this quarantine protocol is mandated to ensure the safety and well being of our arriving OFWs, before they return home to their families.

To clarify, manning and recruitment agencies are the ones arranging for the accommodation of OFWs (whether be it a hotel, other quarantine facility, among others). If such coordination was made, the OFWs, upon arrival, will board a bus to be escorted by the PCG or the PNP going to their arranged accommodation. If no accommodation was arranged for them prior to landing, that is the time that they will be brought to Pier 15.

We appreciate the great sacrifices of our OFWs, and we would like to convey our gratitude to all of you. In these very challenging times, we also wish to assure you that your government is exhausting all efforts, foremost to uphold and protect your well-being. We again apologize for any shortcoming, and we will see to it that we take the necesaary remedial action, as we both endure and acknowledge our sacrifices amid the difficulty of our situation.

Asahan nyo po ang aming patuloy na paglilingkod.

Maraming maraming salamat po.