M/V Angelic Power crew members to receive monetary claims

M/V Angelic Power crew members to receive monetary claims
Genivi Verdejo July 20, 2022 https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/07/20/business/maritime/mv-angelic-powe...

The Filipino crew from Guangzhou, China arrive in Manila on July 22, 2021. Photo from the Department of Foreign Affairs
THE Guangzhou Maritime Court ordered the compensation of all Filipino crew members of the M/V Angelic Power who were stranded for more than a year in China.

The court said that the crew will soon receive their monetary claims. It announced the decision on June 17, which was released in time for the celebration of International Seafarer's Day.

Magsaysay Maritime Corp. (MMC) President Arnold Javier said when the favorable news broke out, the crew members were immediately informed and advised to provide the documents required by Guangzhou Maritime Court to finalize the transaction.

The court's decision was a remarkable legal victory for Filipino seafarers. The crew members conveyed their thanks to the court for prioritizing their claim payment via recorded video messages.

Thirteen Filipino crew employed by MMC were stranded for at least 17 months because of the dispute between the cargo receiver Guangzhou South China Coal Trade Center Co and the ship's owners Angeliki Dynamic Investment Corp. Their passports were taken, and their condition was aggravated by the pandemic.

Marine Partners Monaco (MPM) and MMC have been strictly following the legal proceedings and remained steadfast in watching over the crew members throughout the ordeal. MPM hired a Chinese lawyer to represent the crew members in court.

MPM and MMC conveyed their thanks, saying, "None of this would have been made possible without the efforts and support extended by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, and the Philippine Consulate in China."

MPM and MMC said they were committed to their promise that the plight of Filipino seafarers, no matter where they are or how long the journey may be, "matters to us."