The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said all 38 Filipino crew members of MV Hondius in the Netherlands have tested negative for Hantavirus and remain asymptomatic following health concerns linked to the vessel.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac met with Dutch government officials and representatives of the shipowner on May 22 to ensure the welfare and safety of the Filipino seafarers.
Joining the official visit were Assistant Secretary Jerome Pampolina and Seabased Accreditation Bureau Director Augusto San Diego.
The DMW delegation, together with officials from the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands led by Ambassador Jose Eduardo Malaya, held discussions with representatives of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.
Cacdac thanked Dutch authorities for what he described as a swift humanitarian response, including medical assistance and close coordination with Philippine officials.
Dutch authorities, in turn, recognized the role of Filipino seafarers in global maritime operations and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the rights, health, and welfare of Filipino migrant workers.
The DMW delegation also met with representatives of Oceanwide Expeditions, the shipowner of MV Hondius, and Wagenborg, the licensed manning agency of the crew, to discuss the crew’s condition and repatriation arrangements.
Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed that all 38 Filipino crew members tested negative for Hantavirus and continue to receive proper care under close medical monitoring.
The company also assured Philippine authorities that the crew members will continue receiving full compensation during and even after the mandatory six-week quarantine period.
The Filipino crew members are expected to be repatriated once cleared by Dutch health authorities. The quarantine period is set to end on June 18, 2026.
