PROBE. The Norwegian flag cargo ship M/V Lunita. Division of Migrant Staff Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac mentioned in a press briefing in Mandaluyong Metropolis on Wednesday (Might 14, 2025) that 4 Filipino seafarers from the ship are nonetheless below investigation in South Korea for drug fees, whereas 12 different crewmembers have been repatriated to the nation. (Photograph grabbed from Vesselfinder.com through PNA)
MANILA, Philippines– 4 Filipino seafarers are nonetheless being investigated in South Korea, whereas 16 have already been repatriated to the Philippines following a record-breaking drug bust by the Korea Coast Guard.
Nonetheless, in a press briefing on Wednesday, Division of Migrant Staff (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac assured that correct help is being supplied to them.
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“Relaxation assured dun sa (with regard to the) M/V Lunita seafarers, we are going to proceed to supply the mandatory authorized help to the 4 remaining, two have been arrested, and two are individuals of curiosity. We’re frequently offering the help,” Cacdac mentioned.
“For the 16, we now have supplied, and are nonetheless offering monetary and psycho social help,” he added.
In response to DMW Undersecretary Felicitas Bay, the repatriated seafarers arrived within the nation in two batches on Might 11 and 12.
They had been welcomed by a joint DMW–OWWA (Abroad Staff Welfare Administration) crew earlier than being turned over to their licensed manning company (LMA) for debriefing.
Bay mentioned the DMW is facilitating their documentation and coordinating with the shipowner for the processing of monetary help.
“We’ve our authorized retainer helping the 2 seafarers and the opposite two, so, 4 yung kasalukuyan below investigation at meron tayong pino-provide na authorized counsel (4 are at present below investigation and we now have supplied authorized counsel),” she mentioned.
“We is not going to talk about the main points of the investigation as a result of that is an ongoing investigation, and this is a matter which is a violation of the Narcotics Management Act of Korea,” she added.
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Studies mentioned that M/V Lunita, with 20 Filipino crew, arrived at Okgye Port in Gangneung, Gangwon Province on April 1.
On April 2, South Korean officers from the Korea Coast Guard and Seoul Regional Customs Workplace inspected the ship following a tip from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Safety Investigations.
Over two tons of suspected cocaine had been found in a hid compartment within the ship’s engine room, which authorities known as the most important drug seizure in South Korea’s historical past.
The 16 Filipino seafarers who’ve returned to the nation have been cleared of involvement and are present process debriefing with the company and the shipowner’s representatives. (PNA)
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