By Roy Mabasa

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday confirmed that the total number of Filipinos aboard the Diamond Princess who were found positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has climbed to 44.

This number includes the male crewmember who was released from a Tokyo hospital Thursday after recovering from the disease.

“Yes, 41 plus three new cases. Minus one who has recovered,” said DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez when asked by reporters to confirm the actual number of Filipinos found positive for COVID-19 on the ship.

Earlier, the DFA said coordination is now being made for the repatriation of the Filipinos aboard the cruise ship — more than 500 crew members and seven passengers.