Ayon kay Bi Commissioner Jaime Morente, tinututukan ng BI Seaport Operations Section and Immigration Regulation Division ang nakatakdang disembarkation ng OFWs na nakasailalim sa quarantine anchorage sa 14 cruise ships sa Manila Port.
Sinabi ni Morente na mahigpit nilang sinusunod ang protocols sa pagproseso ng mga parating na seafarer.
“We follow strict protocols in processing arriving seafarers aboard cruise ships. Upon arrival in the country, cruise ships are required to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine anchorage by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ). Afterwhich, the disembarking seafarers’ health are assessed by the BOQ to check for any signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Our officers only conduct inspection once the BOQ has given clearance to the ship and its passengers,” ani Morente.
Dadaan din aniya sa 14-day quarantine ang mga seafarer na galing sa cargo at iba pang uri ng vessel.
“We ensure that no shore passes are given to passengers and to other foreign nationals. Only Filipino crew and repatriated foreign seafarers are allowed to disembark, but only upon health clearance by the BOQ,” dagdag pa ni Morente.
Tiniyak nito na contactless system ang gagawin sa pagproseso nito.
“Boarding officers are also required to wear full PPEs (personal protective equipment) to ensure that risks in assessment are lessened,” pahayag pa ni Morente.
Sinabi ng ahensya na inaasahang walo pang cruise ship at tatlong maritime vessel ang darating ngayong linggo.