Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac assured continued support for eight Filipino seafarers who were repatriated from Malaysia after being detained for alleged violations of immigration laws. The crew members of vessel MT Krishna 1 were detained in Kota Tinggi, Malaysia, but were released through the efforts of the Philippine Embassy and the Migrant Workers Office in Kuala Lumpur. Upon their return to the Philippines, the seafarers received financial assistance from DMW and vouchers from TESDA for skills training to help them explore other job opportunities.
The repatriation of these seafarers aligns with DMW’s proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of overseas Filipino workers, who are considered as the “new heroes” of the nation. In addition to providing support to the repatriated seafarers, DMW will also investigate the licensed manning agency and the shipowner to determine the circumstances that led to the detention of the Filipino seafarers and whether adequate protective measures were taken.
Secretary Cacdac met with the repatriated seafarers at DMW’s Central Office in Mandaluyong City on April 21 to personally assure them of continued assistance. The efforts of the Philippine Embassy in Malaysia and the Migrant Workers Office in Kuala Lumpur were instrumental in securing the release of the detained seafarers, highlighting the importance of diplomatic and government cooperation in protecting the rights and welfare of Filipino workers abroad.
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