They were trapped in Spain for two months
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) announced Friday that the 12 Filipino seafarers trapped in Valencia, Spain for two months will finally return home Saturday night.
OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon said the plane carrying the 12 seafarers will land at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 10:00 p.m. Saturday.
Dimzon said the manning agency has provided the tickets of the 12 seafarers in going back to the country.
The OWWA said with regards to the problems of the Filipino seafarers, they will coordinate with the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) in directing the local manning agency, Status Maritime Agency, to settle its problems with the 12 seafarers for alleged breach of employees and employers contract.
Dimzon further explained that the manning agency has no choice and must settle their problems with the seafarers because the latter have legitimate claims on the allotments and payments on board, their allowances ands over time pay which are all in their contract.
She also said when the problems first arose, the OWWA immediately coordinated with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Spain.
She said the OWWA has also called on its welfare officers to look into the condition of the 12 seafarers who were stranded for almost two months.
Source: Manilla Bulletin