DFA: Search for missing Pinoy sailors suspended, not stopped

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday said South African authorities only "suspended" search and rescue operations for the 18 missing Filipino crewmembers of the ill-fated MV Alexandros T. Foreign Affairs Spokesman Gilbert Asuque said a report from the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria said the search-and-rescue operations were not stopped, but only suspended. Asuque said Philippine Embassy officials continue to "coordinate" with South African authorities for the possible resumption of search operations. "Bagama't ganyan ang decision ng South African search and rescue authorities, tuloy pa rin ang pakikipag-ugnayan natin sa kinauukulan dahil tinuturing natin na nawawala ang ibang tripolante na isang linggong hindi pa nakikita," Asuque said in a radio interview. Among the 33 people onboard the ill-fated vessel, seven crewmembers have been rescued. Asuque said the DFA will continue to hope the missing Filipinos will be found. Last Monday, Philippine labor officials said South African authorities called off search-and-rescue operations for the sailors. The missing Filipinos were identified as 2nd Mate Ricarte Luis; 3rd Mate Jose Roy Abellanosa; 3rd Engineers Aliejo Alebayan and Jessie Viesca; Able Seamen Paulie Navarte, Christopher Salvador and Jose Ashley Vasquez; Ordinary Seamen Alvin Puerta, Roson Cabugwason and Louie Deriada; Deck Cadets Warren Cabia and Ferdinand Ilagan; Oilers Herminio Losini and Loreto Liasos; Wipers Jonas Jaro and Joel Maquilan; Catering Boys Earl Galila and Dan Aldos Ongsod. Acting Labor Secretary Manuel Imson said the six survivors would be repatriated to the Philippines after maritime authorities in South Africa finish the investigation. The survivors were identified as 4th Engineer Allan Omol; Buson Aljess Miranda; Deckboy Lee Alemania; Deckboy Elizer Paulino; Deck Cadet Reantonio Vergara; and Engine Boy Sherie Montano. Imson said the missing seamen are entitled to full benefits including a $50,000 life insurance, a financial support of $7,000 per child below seven years old for a maximum of four children and burial assistance worth $1,000. The families of the missing seamen are also entitled to a P200,000 life insurance and P20,000 burial benefits.-GMANews.TV