By Marita Moaje | Philippine News Agency
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on Thursday confirmed that three more Filipino crew members of bulk carrier MV Eternity C were found safe, bringing the total number of rescued Filipino seafarers to eight.
“Sa ngayon meron good news, kasi umakyat na sa walo ‘yong nakitang mga Pilipino mula sa barkong Eternity C, mga tripulante ng Eternity C. In other words may tatlo pang nahanap kaya walo na sila ngayon. At hindi ko na i-disclose kung anong current location nila, but rest assured they are safe,” Cacdac said in an interview over Radyo Pilipinas.
The Liberian-flagged MV Eternity C, with 22 crew members including 21 Filipinos, was attacked with missiles and rocket-propelled grenades by the Houthi forces off the coast of Yemen on July 7.
Five Filipino seafarers were immediately rescued in the water as the vessel sank due to the damage it sustained.
Cacdac said reports of three to four possible fatalities are still being verified, adding that this will only be confirmed as soon as the DMW is able to speak with the surviving seafarers.
Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, Cacdac assured the families of the seafarers that they will receive full assistance from the government, including regular updates and financial and psychosocial support.
“‘Take care of the families, ‘ ‘Yan ang sabi ng ating Pangulo, kaya’t nakakailang pagdaupang palad na tayo with all the families at kagabi, sinimulan na natin ‘yong personal visits at isa-isahin natin silang dalawin para mabigyan sila ng kahit papaano ay comfort at assurance mula sa gobyerno,” Cacdac said.
