DMW suspends manning agency of missing Pinoy seafarer

DMW suspends manning agency of missing Pinoy seafarer
HDT Feb 07, 2025 https://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/dmw-suspends-manning-agency-of-missing...

WITH the Filipino seafarer missing for two months now, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has ordered the suspension of the manning agency that deployed Ralph Anthony Bobiles.

In a statement, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the manning agency, Parola Maritime Agency, has been suspended as it failed to report the incident involving Bobiles.

"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 Cacdac.

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

Aside from the suspension, the DMW chief mandated the agency to submit the full investigation report of the seafarer’s disappearance.

"We are taking action against the manning agency until they fully explain what happened on board," said Cacdac.

Bobiles is a deck cadet of vessel Prestige Ace, who was reported to have gone missing last December 5, 2024, while the Panama-flagged vessel was en route from Vera Cruz, Mexico to Baltimore, USA.

In the meantime, Cacdac said they have assured all the necessary assistance and support to the family of Bobiles.

This was relayed when he personally met with the family of Bobiles.

"We assured them of all the necessary assistance and support from the DMW, including financial assistance and other necessary support during this difficult time," said Cacdac. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)