Malaysia frees 8 Filipino seafarers

Eight Filipino seafarers detained in Malaysia over alleged immigration violations have been released, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Friday.

The DMW said the crew was detained in Kota Tinggi, Johor, and were released on 18 April due to the coordinated efforts of Labor Attaché Jocelyn Ortega of the DMW-Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Malaysia, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac, and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“MWO-OWWA Malaysia immediately coordinated with Kota Tinggi police to ensure the safety and well-being of the seafarers,” the DMW said. They also worked closely with the licensed manning agency and the ship’s principal during the investigation.

The DMW said the seafarers’ manning agency has committed to continue paying their salaries and benefits.

The eight Filipinos, along with 12 Indian crew members, of the MT Krishna 1 were detained on 11 April.

They were allegedly found disembarked at East Outside Port Limits Malaysia — near the Singapore Strait — without passports or valid documents. While close to Singapore, the area still falls within Malaysian waters, and unauthorized operations there violate local immigration laws.

The DMW-MWO and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration provided legal and welfare assistance throughout the process. Arrangements for their repatriation to the Philippines are currently underway.