Iloilo city: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has pledged to take action against the vessel owner and manning agency responsible for the plight of six Filipino seafarers stranded for two months off Loboc in Iloilo City. The manning agency, Erica Crew Manning Services Inc., is currently suspended and may face license revocation.

According to Philippines News Agency, Patricia Yvonne Caunan, chief of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), announced in an online briefing that the Filipino crew of the bulk carrier MV Herman Star disembarked on Monday night and received financial assistance from the government. The six Filipino and seven Indian crew members had been stranded in the Iloilo Strait without power, proper food, clean water, or pay.

The vessel arrived from Vietnam carrying rice in August 2024 but was docked after being deemed unseaworthy and lacking a valid trading certificate during an inspection by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)/Port State Control. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated that administrative sanctions would be pursued against those responsible.

DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia highlighted violations, including failure to ensure the ship's seaworthiness, delayed wage payments, and possible contract substitution. Olalia noted that the manning agency's failure to monitor its deployed seafarers was a significant violation leading to potential license cancellation.

Caunan mentioned that the rescue operation involved the PCG, Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Customs, and Iloilo Lone District Rep. Jam Baronda. The government successfully negotiated a settlement for the seafarers' unpaid salaries.

The six rescued Filipino seafarers each received PHP100,000 in financial aid through the DMW's Aksyon Fund and OWWA's Emergency Repatriation Fund, supporting distressed overseas workers as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The Philippine government also provided food assistance to the Indian nationals and will aid them in obtaining immigration clearance for disembarkation.

Cacdac emphasized the government's commitment to protecting Filipino workers from neglect and exploitation, stating, "This is proof that our commitment to protect Filipino workers goes beyond borders and we will not hesitate to go after those who neglect or exploit them."