Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III cites Pinoy seafarers, welcomes chief officer Eduardo Sareno and deck crew Jay-nel Rosales survivors of M/V Livestock 1 sinking

Labor chief cites Pinoy seafarers
Leslie Ann Aquino September 20, 2020 https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/20/labor-chief-cites-pinoy-seafarers/

Photo: JANSEN ROMERO /Manila Bulletin
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III extolled Filipino seafarers as “one of the bravest in the world” Sunday.

He said their bravery is the reason why many employers prefer their company at sea.

“I admire the never-say-die attitude of our seamen in the face of great danger, a trait common to many Filipinos particularly our OFWs,” Bello said as he and other Labor officials welcomed chief officer Eduardo Sareno and deck crew Jay-nel Rosales, the two survivors of the ill-fated cargo ship that sank off the turbulent waters of southern Japan early this month, back to the country last Saturday.

Bello lauded their courage and will to survive the violent seas.

Sareno and Rosales arrived via a Philippine Airlines from Tokyo, Japan after undergoing medical checkups and spending weeks in hotel quarantine in accordance with health protocols in Japan to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

They are awaiting their COVID-19 test results before they are brought to their hometowns.

The duo were rescued by the Japanese Coast Guard days after Panamanian-registered M/V Livestock 1 experienced engine trouble in high seas amid one of the strongest typhoons to hit Japan in years. The rest, except one, in the 43-man crew of the cargo vessel remain missing without a trace, according to Coast Guard of Japan.

The remains of Filipino crewman Joel Canete Linao were flown home Friday.

According to Bello, the government will provide full support to the two survivors and the families of Linao and the missing seafarers.

“They will get help from government in the form of livelihood assistance and other benefits,” he said.

“We are also looking at possible job opportunities for them in other shipping companies in case they want to get back at work as soon as possible,” Bello added.