President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of two Filipino seafarers who were killed in an attack on a crude oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, assuring them that the national government will provide comprehensive assistance and facilitate all entitled benefits.
The two victims were identified as residents of Cabuyao, Laguna, and Daanbantayan, Cebu.
“Unang-una po ay nakikiramay po ang Pangulo at ang administrasyon sa pamilya ng dalawang seafarers mula sa Cabuyao, Laguna at Daanbantayan, Cebu,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in an official briefing on Thursday.
Castro stated that President Marcos was promptly briefed on the incident and immediately instructed Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac to assist the bereaved families, ensuring they receive all necessary support, including legal benefits, financial compensation, and insurance proceeds.
“Muli, nakikiramay po kami sa pamilya ng dalawa po nating seafarers at tuluy-tuloy pa rin po ang pag-uulat ni Secretary Hans Cacdac patungkol po dito sa ating dalawang kababayan,” Castro added, reassuring the families that the government will render full assistance.
The two seafarers were killed on August 31 after the Saudi-flagged crude oil carrier SIDR was struck while transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The vessel’s 14 other Filipino crew members were reported unharmed.