8 Filipino seafarers detained in Malaysia —DMW

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Friday said that eight Filipino seafarers are detained in Malaysia over alleged violation of Immigration laws.

According to the DMW, the eight crew members of MT Krishna 1 are detained in a police station in Kota Tinggi, Malaysia.

“Our Labor Attachè Jocelyn Ortega and DMW-MWO lawyer in Malaysia visited the 8 jailed seafarers and raised the defense of good faith... before the investigating officer,” DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in a statement.

“We have been informed that the results of the investigation will be out soon,” he added.

The department said it will conduct its own investigation of the licensed manning agency (LMA) and the shipowner to determine what led to their detention and whether adequate measures were undertaken.

Meanwhile, Cacdac extended his gratitude to the Malaysian authorities for allowing the DMW-Migrant Workers’ Office in Malaysia to conduct a welfare visit.

“We are thankful to Malaysian authorities for allowing the welfare visit, and to Ambassador Ponce of the PHL Embassy in Kuala Lumpur for her guidance and support,” he said.

The DMW said the LMA has assured the continued payment of the seafarers’ salaries and benefits.  —VAL, GMA Integrated News