The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will ensure the security and safety of repatriated Filipino seafarers who shall be sheltered at the two (2) quarantine ships, M/V St. John Paul II and M/V St. Anthony de Padua, currently docked at Pier 15, Port Area, Manila.

Together with the Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), and the 2GO Group, Inc., the PCG will start the operation of the quarantine ships this week with the arrival of approximately 400 repatriated Filipino seafarers onboard a Panama-flagged cruise ship.

During the inspection held this afternoon, the DOH is tasked to develop guidelines and procedures for the orderly operations of the quarantine ships including necessary health care, standard environment control, and daily hygiene protocols.

The PCG, on the other hand, shall enforce stringent maritime security and maritime safety measures of the two vessels that can cater up to 1,500 patients each.

The first quarantine ship will be utilized by persons under investigation (PUI), while the other ship will be a temporary facility for persons under monitoring (PUM), individuals who have traveled to COVID-19 affected countries, and/or those who show symptoms, but have no history of exposure.

Moreover, the PCG is also tasked to oversee the regular disinfection of ships, as well as the sufficient delivery of provisions such as medical supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), medicines, food, and other necessities.

Meanwhile, the PCG, together with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), DOH, and BOQ inspected Eva Macapagal Terminal in Port Area, Manila this afternoon, in preparation for its conversion to a temporary treatment facility that aims to decongest major COVID-19 hospitals in the National Capital Region.

Tomorrow, 07 April 2020, BRP Gabriela Silang will arrive at the PCG National Headquarters after its first mission in the Middle East.

According to PCG Commandant, Admiral Joel S Garcia, BRP Gabriela Silang shall be utilized as a ‘transport ship’ for medical supplies, PPE, medicines, as well as health workers and other frontliners to regional hospitals across the country.

However, the PCG is willing to designate the offshore patrol vessel as a quarantine ship, when the need arises.