32 Filipino Seafarers Rescued From Abusive Employer In Fiji After Months Of Suffering

Thirty-two Filipino seafarers have been rescued and repatriated to the Philippines after allegedly suffering from months of abuse, contract violations and delayed wages while employed by a local shipping company in Fiji.

The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that the crew had fallen victim to contract substitution and wage theft, with their promised salaries of ₱60,000 per month reduced to only ₱20,000.

The workers reportedly endured long delays in payment and faced various forms of maltreatment during their employment.

According to the DMW, the rescue and repatriation were conducted in cooperation with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Fiji-based authorities.

The operation followed the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who has called for the continued protection and welfare of overseas Filipino workers.

Labour Attaché Antonio Mutuc Jr., who coordinated the rescue efforts, visited the affected seafarers in Fiji and arranged for their safe return to the Philippines. He emphasised that ensuring the crew’s safety and immediate repatriation was the government’s top priority.

Upon arrival in Manila, each of the rescued seafarers received ₱50,000 in financial aid from the government’s AKSYON Fund. They were also provided with psychosocial and reintegration support to help them recover from their ordeal and rebuild their lives.

The DMW has initiated an investigation into both the employer and the recruitment agency involved in the case. The department said disciplinary and legal actions will be taken against those found responsible for violating labour and recruitment laws.

In a statement, the DMW urged Filipino workers to verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies and employment contracts before accepting overseas offers.

The department reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers and ensuring that those who exploit or abuse them are held accountable.

References: business&humanrights, fijitimes

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