Latest news with #DepartmentofMigrantWorkers
Yemen Online
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Yemen Online
Philippines Seeks Release of Nine Sailors Detained by Houthis in Yemen
Aden – The Philippine government is actively working to secure the release of nine Filipino crew members detained by Houthi rebels in Yemen after a maritime attack earlier this month in the Red Sea. The incident occurred when the cargo vessel Eternity C came under assault and ultimately sank. In a video released by Houthi media, the sailors were shown being rescued from the water. Officials in Manila confirmed the crew is alive, although concerns remain about their well-being and the conditions of their detention. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo stated that the Philippines will not engage directly with Houthi authorities, opting instead to seek assistance from friendly nations in the region to mediate the sailors' release. The Department of Migrant Workers is also coordinating closely with the families of the detained to ensure their safe repatriation. One sailor reportedly sustained injuries during the rescue operation, though details about the remaining crew remain limited. This episode marks another troubling case involving Filipino mariners, who make up nearly 30% of the global shipping workforce. The Houthis previously held Filipino crew members of the Galaxy Leader for over a year before releasing them in January 2025. International maritime organizations have expressed alarm over rising attacks in the Red Sea, urging greater protective measures for commercial shipping lanes and crew safety.
Filipino Times
5 hours ago
- Filipino Times
Houthi Rebels Holding 9 Filipino Crew from MV Eternity C — DMW Confirms
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Tuesday, July 21, that nine Filipino seafarers remain in the custody of Yemen's Houthi rebels following the Red Sea attack on the bulk carrier MV Eternity C earlier this month. The confirmation came after the Houthi group released a video on Monday showing what they claimed were rescued crew members from the ill-fated vessel. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said they already had knowledge of the situation prior to the video's release, but were awaiting identity confirmation from the families involved. 'This confirms what we have already known, pending family verification,' Cacdac said in a press briefing. He emphasized that the Philippine government, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), is currently seeking help from allied nations to secure the release of the detained Filipinos. Out of the 22 crew aboard the Eternity C, 21 were Filipinos. According to the DMW, eight have already been repatriated, three were confirmed dead, and one remains missing. 'The remaining nine seafarers are confirmed to be in Houthi custody,' Cacdac stated, adding that the government is providing ongoing support to the affected families, including regular updates and psychosocial assistance.
Filipino Times
5 hours ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
DMW Files Plunder, Graft, Malversation Charges Against Ex‑OWWA Chief Ignacio Over ₱1.4 B Land Deal
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) formally lodged criminal complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnell 'Arnel' Ignacio, alongside his two former deputy administrators and six private individuals, concerning a controversial ₱1.4 billion land acquisition deal. The charges include violations of the Anti‑Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019), the Plunder Law (RA 7080), and Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code for malversation of public funds. The deal involved purchasing a 1.5-hectare property near NAIA Terminal 1 in September 2024, intended for use as a halfway house for returning OFWs. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac highlighted several irregularities: the OWWA Board of Trustees was not consulted nor authorized the sale, and crucial documents—including vouchers and checks—were approved even before the Deed of Absolute Sale was executed. Additionally, a portion of the transaction's value—estimated at around ₱97 million—was allegedly attributed to the inclusion of 52 'ghost' condominium units that do not exist. Ignacio had already been removed from office in May 2025 due to 'loss of trust and confidence,' as the deal bypassed board approval on multiple crucial matters. He has since denied any wrongdoing, stating the deal was undertaken transparently and was intended to benefit OFWs. Ignacio claimed the board was aware of the negotiations, although DMW maintains it was only informed post‑completion. The ongoing investigation is now being coordinated with the Commission on Audit and the Department of Justice, with DMW indicating that civil damage claims may also be pursued. Ignacio's ouster prompted the appointment of Patricia Yvonne Caunan as the new OWWA chief, tasked with restoring institutional integrity.
GMA Network
9 hours ago
- Business
- GMA Network
DMW files plunder raps vs ex-OWWA chief Arnell Ignacio, 8 others over land deal
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Tuesday filed plunder and graft charges against former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) administrator Arnell Ignacio and eight others over the controversial P1.4-billion land acquisition deal. Filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, the complaint also accused Ignacio, his two former deputies at OWWA, and six individuals who belong to the seller group of malversation of public funds. The DMW said the complaint stemmed from the purchase of a 1.5-hectare property near Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in September 2024, on which a halfway house for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) would be constructed. However, the DMW said that the property's close proximity to the airport runway made it unsuitable for development. The DMW added that OWWA's board of directors was not consulted and did not authorize the contract to sell, the deed of sale, and the supplemental agreement in connection with the purchase of the property. Vouchers and checks were also signed prior to the deed of sale, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said. Ignacio, who was removed from his post, denied in May that the land sale was anomalous and that he profited from it. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Filipino Times
DMW speeds up medical repatriation of ailing OFWs in Qatar
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has pledged full support for ailing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Qatar and is expediting their medical repatriation. In a statement, the DMW said officials led by Undersecretary Jainal Rasul, Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi and Labor Attaché Eduard Ferrer visited four ailing OFWs confined at Rumailah Hospital in Doha. One of them, a female patient who suffered a severe stroke, has been hospitalized since May. Her sibling has already been repatriated, while arrangements for her own return are ongoing. The officials also met with hospital personnel and Alma Balanon, the Medical Repatriation Coordinator for Filipinos in Qatar, to discuss necessary arrangements for transferring the patients to the Philippines. Balanon emphasized the need for support in visa processing and hospital acceptance in the Philippines to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of medical care. She added that several more patients are under evaluation for possible repatriation The DMW said the medical repatriation program in Qatar, which began in 2015, has facilitated the return of 28 OFWs in 2024. Eleven cases have been recorded this year, including one currently being processed. A follow-up mission is scheduled for mid-August to monitor the reintegration of repatriated OFWs and ensure continued government assistance.
