MANILA, Philippines — Dozens of Filipino seafarers are stranded in Chinese waters while awaiting repatriation, Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta Romana said Saturday. Around 70 of these are stranded seafarers, he added. Last month, the Department of Foreign Affairs repatriated 16 seafarers who were previously stranded in China. Mission to Seafarers Philippines, a non-governmental organization, earlier this month said "seafarers are the hardest hit" by the pandemic. The organization's country manager, Lala Tolentino, during an online consultation said many Filipino seafarers have been forced to work not just consistent overtime hours but are working over contract as well.

Source: Philippine Star October 24, 2020 05:15 UTC