Manning agency of slain Pinoy seafarers vows cooperation to bring back remains

The manning agency of the two Filipino seafarers who were killed in the Strait of Hormuz vowed to cooperate with authorities to bring back their remains, although it has yet to address why the crewmen were sent there in the first place.

In a statement on its Facebook account late Thursday night, Jebsen PTC said it mourned the loss of the two Filipino seafarers who were aboard the Saudi Arabian-flagged oil tanker Sidr when it was crossing the Hormuz strait. They are coordinating the matter with the shipowner Bahri.

"We are working closely with Bahri and liaising with the Department of Migrant Workers, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and relevant authorities to facilitate the repatriation formalities and help bring their loved ones home as soon as possible," Jebsen PTC said in a statement.

The family of one of the slain seafarers, Rodrigo Favis, accused Jebsen PTC of not informing the crewman that they were headed to the Strait of Hormuz—a dangerous flashpoint waterway in the US-Israel's war against Iran.

While it has yet to address this claim, the manning agency extended its condolences to the families.

"We are obtaining verified information through the shipowner Bahri and the appropriate government and maritime channels and sharing updates directly with the families as they become available. We are also attending to the welfare of the surviving seafarers and supporting their return home," Jebsen PTC said.

There are 14 Filipino survivors from the Sidr, and the Philippine government is currently working to repatriate them, along with the remains of the two deceased crewmen.

In a 24 Oras report from JP Soriano on Thursday, Favis' family said Rodrigo had tried to use his right to refuse sailing when he found out that the ship was headed to the Strait of Hormuz.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has said the manning agency was responsible for ensuring the safety of its deployed sailors aboard the ships.

"We will also look into this matter as we investigate this incident," Cacdac said. — VDV, GMA News