By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
On the heels of the confirmed death of a Filipino seafarer after a September 29 attack on the MV Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac traveled to Djibouti to personally oversee the repatriation of the remains of the Filipino seafarer who lost his life.
Secretary Cacdac said in a social media post, “We convey the sad news of the passing of the Filseafarer critically injured during the Sept 29 attack on the MV Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden. Our deepest sympathies to his family. Per the President’s directive, we are providing them with full support and assistance.”
He added, “We are here to ensure that our kababayan is brought home with the dignity he deserves, and that his family, along with his fellow seafarers, receive the care and support they need.”
The Migrant Workers chief meanwhile visited the other Filipino crew member injured during the Houthi attack, who remains hospitalized in Djibouti. He is in stable condition, and is expected to return to the country later this week.
MV Minervagracht had 19 crew members onboard when it was hit by an unidentified explosive while navigating the Gulf of Aden. Two of the crew members were Filipinos.
Secretary Cacdac is joined by DMW Assistant Secretary Jerome Pampolina, along with the wife and sister of the deceased seafarer.
The DMW delegation will coordinate closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs – Philippine Embassy (DFA-PE) and the shipowner to ensure a dignified and timely repatriation of the remains to the Philippines.
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