By Marita Moaje
MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has assured full legal and welfare assistance to the family of Filipino seafarer George Francis Miranda, who was reported missing after the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-flagged vessel M/V Mussafah 2 was hit by missiles and sank in the Strait of Hormuz on March 6.
In a Facebook post Tuesday, the DMW said Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac personally visited Miranda’s family on Sunday to convey the government’s concern and to reaffirm continued support while authorities investigate the maritime incident.
“Nakadaop-palad ko si Mrs. Chris Miranda, asawa po ng ating tripulante na si Oiler George Miranda na lulan po ng tugboat na inatake sa Strait of Hormuz. Sa ngalan ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, nagpaabot po tayo ng pakikiisa at tulong at suporta, kabilang na po ang legal assistance (I met with Mrs. Chris Miranda, wife of our crew member Oiler George Miranda, who was on the tugboat attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. On behalf of President Bongbong Marcos, we extend our solidarity, help, and support, including legal assistance),” Cacdac said in a separate Facebook post.
During the visit, he assured the family that they would receive full legal and welfare support, including coordination with legal counsel knowledgeable in UAE maritime and labor laws, to help protect Miranda’s rights and entitlements, as well as those of his beneficiaries.
Cacdac said the DMW is also working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for appropriate representations, in line with established diplomatic processes with the UAE government and other concerned foreign authorities.
He said these efforts aim to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure a fair and thorough investigation.
“The family will be kept properly informed and supported throughout the process,” the DMW said.
Miranda was among the crew members of the tugboat that reportedly went down while responding to assist another distressed vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the tension between the United States-Israel and Iran.
Meanwhile, the DMW also assured that it continues to monitor the condition of Filipino seafarers onboard vessels in the Persian Gulf, and is coordinating with manning agencies to ensure their health, safety, and security amid the ongoing regional conflict in the Middle East. (PNA)
