The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will investigate the licensed manning agency and shipowner involved in the detention of eight Filipino seafarers in Malaysia. This inquiry aims to determine accountability and enhance protections for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced the investigation during a news release on Tuesday, emphasizing the need to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident. “There is an investigation into what really happened, especially since the culprit was released before everyone else,” he said.
Cacdac met with the seafarers and their families on Monday in Mandaluyong City, assuring them of continued government support. He noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been actively inquiring about their well-being. “That’s why we are monitoring the welfare of each OFW. We will continue to help you,” he stated.
One seafarer expressed gratitude for the government’s assistance, saying, “We really appreciate that our government didn’t abandon us… It’s really a good feeling that you didn’t abandon us.”
The eight seafarers, along with 12 Indian crew members of the crude oil tanker MT Krishna 1, were arrested by the Royal Malaysian Police on April 11 for alleged immigration violations. They were detained at the Kota Tinggi Police District Headquarters for entering Malaysia without valid documents.
The DMW’s Migrant Workers Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (MWO-OWWA) coordinated with local authorities to ensure the seafarers’ welfare. The licensed manning agency and the shipowner cooperated with the investigation and committed to paying the salaries and benefits of the detained crew.
Following their release on April 18, the seafarers were repatriated to the Philippines on April 21. They received financial assistance from the DMW’s AKSYON Fund and training vouchers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for future employment opportunities.
