The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) shared some serious news:
Eight Filipino seafarers are now being held in Malaysia because they are believed to have broken some immigration laws—these are rules about who can enter or stay in a country.
Where Are They Now?
The eight crew members were working on a ship called MT Krishna 1. Right now, they are being held in a police station in a place called Kota Tinggi, in Malaysia.
What Is the DMW Doing?
The DMW, which is the government office that helps protect overseas Filipino workers, is already helping the seafarers.
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Labor Attaché Jocelyn Ortega and a lawyer from the DMW in Malaysia visited the jailed crew.
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They talked to the police and said that the seafarers acted in good faith, meaning they didn’t mean to break the rules.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said:
“We were able to speak to the investigating officer and share our side. We are now waiting for the results of the investigation, which will come out soon.”
What Happens Next?
The DMW will also look into what the licensed manning agency (LMA)—the company that hired the seafarers—and the shipowner did before and during the trip.
They want to find out:
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What really caused the seafarers to be jailed?
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Did the agency and shipowner do everything they were supposed to?
Are the Seafarers Okay?
Yes, they are okay for now. The DMW thanked the Malaysian police for allowing their team to visit the seafarers and check on their well-being.
They also thanked Ambassador Ponce from the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur for giving her support.
Even though the seafarers are in jail, the company (LMA) promised they will still receive their salaries and benefits while the case is being handled.
In Short:
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8 Filipino seafarers are in jail in Malaysia for immigration issues.
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DMW is helping them and waiting for the investigation results.
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They’re safe, and their salaries will continue to be paid.
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The government is also checking if the agency or shipowner made mistakes.
