Solon welcomes release of Filipino seafarers detained in Malaysia

Photo Credit: kabayankuwait.com

Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo on Saturday, April 19, welcomed the release of eight Filipino seafarers who had been detained in Malaysia for immigration-related concerns.

For Salo, the Filipinos’ release “brings great comfort and hope to their families, especially during this Lenten season”, which he called “a time of reflection, sacrifice, and renewed hope”.

“Our Filipino seafarers make enormous sacrifices every day, working far from home to provide for their loved ones,” he said.

“Their struggles echo the spirit of this season, reminding us of the deep love and selflessness that fuel their commitment to their families,” he added.

On Friday, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported the release of the seafarers–who were crew members of MT Krishna 1–from detention at a police station in Kota Tinggi, Malaysia.

The eight Filipinos, along with 12 Indian crew members, were detained by Royal Malaysian Police last April 11th for entering Malaysia without passports and valid documents.

Such an incident, according to Salo, highlighted the importance of proper documentation, due diligence, and stronger cooperation with foreign governments to prevent similar challenges in the future.

Salo commended the swift and coordinated efforts by DMW, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Kuala Lumpur.

“Their strong inter-agency collaboration and firm engagement with Malaysian authorities made this release possible, demonstrating the government’s resolve to protect the rights and welfare of our overseas workers, including our seafarers,” he said.

He also recognized the Licensed Manning Agency (LMA) for its continued support to the affected seafarers, including the assurance that they will receive the salaries and benefits due them.

“Such accountability is essential in building a more humane and responsible system for deployment,” he said. — Joseph Pedrajas