The Department of Migrant Workers reported on Monday, July 20, that one Filipino seafarer died in an attack on July 6, while another was killed during a separate incident on Sunday, July 19. One Filipino seafarer also remained missing.
“Nakikiramay po ako sa mga pamilya ng ating dalawang kababayang nasawi. Ipinagdarasal din natin ang agarang paggaling ng mga nasugatan at ang kaligtasan ng ating kababayang hindi pa natatagpuan,” Go said.
According to the DMW, nine vessels carrying a total of 139 Filipino seafarers were affected by the attacks. Of this number, 124 were reported safe and unharmed.
Four of the 12 injured seafarers have already returned to the Philippines, while the remaining eight continue to receive medical treatment and recover from their injuries.
The affected vessels reportedly included bulk carriers and oil product tankers operating in or near ports and anchorages in southern Ukraine. Most of the ships sustained damage while docked, anchored, or shortly after leaving port.
The DMW and the concerned manning agencies have been coordinating with the families of the affected seafarers to provide information and the necessary assistance.
Go acknowledged the ongoing coordination and emphasized the importance of maintaining communication with the workers and their families throughout the medical treatment, recovery, and repatriation processes.
“Mahalagang patuloy na maalalayan ang ating mga kababayan at kanilang mga pamilya. Dapat malinaw ang impormasyon sa kanila at maibigay ang tulong na kailangan nila sa panahong ito,” the senator said.
He also stressed the need to closely monitor the condition of Filipino seafarers assigned to areas affected by armed conflict and other security threats.
Go said seafarers should receive timely information on prevailing conditions, emergency procedures, available assistance, and arrangements for evacuation or repatriation when necessary.
“Ang trabaho ng ating mga marino ay mahalaga, pero dapat palaging isaalang-alang ang kanilang kaligtasan. Kailangan ang maayos na koordinasyon upang agad silang matulungan kapag may emergency,” he said.
The senator noted that Filipino seafarers make significant sacrifices while working away from their families and often face difficult conditions at sea.
He encouraged the concerned offices, employers, and Philippine diplomatic posts to continue coordinating on medical care, communication with families, documentation, and the safe return of affected workers whenever circumstances allow. SoutheastAsians & Pacific Islanders
Go is one of the authors and a co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11641, which created the Department of Migrant Workers.
The law consolidated government offices and functions related to overseas employment under the DMW to improve the coordination and delivery of services for overseas Filipino workers and their families.
“Malaking bagay na may ahensiyang nakatutok sa kapakanan ng ating mga OFW. Sa mga ganitong pangyayari, mahalaga ang mabilis na koordinasyon at tuloy-tuloy na suporta para sa mga manggagawa at kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” Go said.
The senator also appealed for respect for the privacy of the affected families while the necessary coordination, treatment, and documentation remain ongoing.
“Patuloy po nating ipagdasal ang kaligtasan at paggaling ng ating mga kababayang seafarers. Sa kanilang mga pamilya, nakikiisa po kami sa inyong pinagdaraanan,” Go concluded.
Senator Bong Go