DMW chief vows assistance to family of missing Pinoy seafarer

DMW chief vows assistance to family of missing Pinoy seafarer
Dennis Gasgonia, Feb 06, 2025 https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/2/13/pdp-laban-candidates-woo-v...

The Department of Migrant Workers is extending assistance and support to the family of Filipino seafarer Ralph Anthony Bobiles who has been missing for two months now while aboard the Panama-flagged vessel Prestige Ace.

“When there is a missing seafarer, the family should be informed adequately about the investigation, and any relevant reports that could help to precisely inform them about what happened,” said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.

DMW has suspended the license of the manning agency and obliged them to submit the full investigation report of the seafarer’s disappearance.

Ralph, a deck cadet of vessel Prestige Ace was reported missing on December 5, 2024, while en route from Vera Cruz, Mexico to Baltimore, USA.

The manning agency also failed to report the incident to Baltimore authorities when the vessel docked in Baltimore, USA.

"We are coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Embassy to seek report on this case. We are taking action against the manning agency and principal shipowner until they fully explain what happened on board,” said Cacdac.

He met with the family of Bobiles to assure them of all the necessary assistance and support from the DMW, including financial assistance and other necessary support.