Gov’t to give aid to families of Filipinos in sunken Korean boat

Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz and President Benigno Aquino III. Photo courtesy of Malacanang Photo Bureau.

MANILA – Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz recently said that the government will be extending necessary assistance to the families of the 10 Filipino seafarers who were reported missing at sea.

The seafarers were on board the Korean fishing vessel, “Oriong 501,” which was reported to have been hit by a big wave and sunk.

“The Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA) will extend all necessary assistance to the seafarers and their families in this time of a tragedy,” she said in an interview during her visit to the six countries comprising the Gulf Cooperation council in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Baldoz flew to the place to award the Filipino domestic workers who completed their skills training courses under the “Balik-Pinay Balik-Hanapbuhay” Project, with livelihood starter kits.

“We are hoping the missing Filipino sailors are safe and will be found soon,” Baldoz said.

Meanwhile, OWWA chief Rebecca Calzado was also instructed to arrange for the counseling of the families of the seafarers.

“The three Filipino seafarers who were rescued are on their way to South Korea where they will be requested by the Korean maritime authorities to provide information regarding the accident,” Hans Leo Cacdac, Philippine Overseas Employment Agency Administrator, reported.

He added that the survivors will be placed in a mandatory post-employment medical examination to ensure that they have not sustained any injury during the sinking of the vessel.

A compensation equal to one-month basic salary for loss of employment, compensation for loss of personal effects due to marine peril, and the balance of wages consisting of earned wages and leave pay will also be given to the survivors.