As part of the Philippine government’s mandatory quarantine period for all Filipinos arriving from overseas, at least 5,000 seafarers have been confined within 17 cruise ships in Manila Bay, while thousands more are in hotels all over Metro Manila.

Magsaysay, along with its cruise line principals, have been exerting every effort to ensure that the needs of its seafarers are being met in this challenging time.

In coordination with the national government and various local government units, the Magsaysay team has also been working to facilitate the safe return of the seafarers to their home provinces. This includes the swab testing of seafarers to ensure that they are free from the coronavirus, which most LGUs require before they allow a seafarer to enter their hometowns. 

These efforts have resulted in the return home of 140 Magsaysay seafarers last April 26 in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. As Magsaysay continuously work with the Philippine government for its seafarers, many more are expected to be reunited with their families and loved ones in the coming weeks.

For related news, you can also check on ANC's report on Why are many of our seamen still stranded at Manila Bay at https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/05/11/20/why-are-many-of-our-seamen-still-stranded-at-manila-bay