8 Filipino seafarers detained in Malaysia

Eight Filipino seafarers were detained in Malaysia for allegedly violating immigration laws, the Department of Migrant Workers reported on Friday. — File photo

MANILA, Philippines — Eight Filipino seafarers were detained in Malaysia for alleged violation of immigration laws and regulations, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) disclosed on Friday.

In a statement, DMW identified the seafarers as crew members of MT Krishna 1. It did not detail when the seafarers were jailed.

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But in adherence to President Bongbong Marcos’ directive to protect the rights and welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said their migrant workers’ office in Malaysia, in coordination with the Philippine embassy in Kuala Lumpur, executed a welfare visit to check on the well-being of the eight Filipino seafarers.

“Our Labor Attachè Jocelyn Ortega and the Migrant Workers Office lawyer in Malaysia visited the eight jailed seafarers and raised the defense of good-faith defense before the investigating officer. We have been informed that the results of the investigation will be out soon,” said Cacdac.

According to the Migrant Workers chief,  they are also set to conduct their own investigation of the license-manning agency as well as the shipowner to find out the circumstances that led to the detention of the eight Filipinos.

“The licensed manning agency of the eight Filipino seafarers has assured the continued payment of salaries and benefits to the seafarers and their families,” said Cacdac.