PCG ensures cruise ship from Japan docked in Manila won't disembark crew
By Betheena Unite
A cruise ship from Japan is currently docked at the Port Area in Manila Thursday not to ferry passengers but only to get fuel supply, the Philippine Coast Guard ensured amid the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Captain Armand Balilo, Coast Guard spokesperson, confirmed that cruise ship "Spectrum of the Seas" from Japan arrived into the country on Thursday morning but is scheduled to leave Friday.
"Its last port of call is Japan. Arrived this morning and will leave on the 14th. Purpose is bunkering," Balilo said.
"We are still verifying the presence of passengers but usually, there are no pax during bunkering," Balilo added.
He furthered that a clearance was issued by the Bureau of Quarantine for the ship "and crew will not be allowed to go out."
It can be recalled that a cruise ship from China, which was carrying 4,000 passengers, was denied entry in Subic late January to prevent the possible spread of the disease. It was immediately sent back to its country of origin a day after docking in Manila.
Earlier, the Philippine Ports Authority also barred Filipino seafarers from disembarking from their vessels when they reach the country's ports.
All visitation privileges given to relatives of Filipino seafarers and non-government organizations extending emotional and spiritual help to seafarers were also canceled.