PROBE. The Norwegian flag cargo ship M/V Lunita. Division of Migrant Employees Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac mentioned in a press briefing in Mandaluyong Metropolis on Wednesday (Could 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 by way of 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 Employees (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’ll proceed to offer the mandatory authorized help to the 4 remaining, two have been arrested, and two are individuals of curiosity. We’re regularly offering the help,” Cacdac mentioned.
“For the 16, we’ve supplied, and are nonetheless offering monetary and psycho social help,” he added.
Based on DMW Undersecretary Felicitas Bay, the repatriated seafarers arrived within the nation in two batches on Could 11 and 12.
They have been welcomed by a joint DMW–OWWA (Abroad Employees 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 economic help.
“We now have our authorized retainer aiding the 2 seafarers and the opposite two, so, 4 yung kasalukuyan below investigation at meron tayong pino-provide na authorized counsel (4 are presently below investigation and we’ve supplied authorized counsel),” she mentioned.
“We is not going to focus on 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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Experiences 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 have been found in a hid compartment within the ship’s engine room, which authorities known as the biggest 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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