By Marita Moaje
MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) gave a hero’s welcome to Filipino ship captain Roybel Tabobo upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Wednesday.
In a news release on Thursday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac lauded Tabobo for his swift response in rescuing the crew members of the container ship MSC ELSA 3, which sank off the coast of Kochi, Kerala, India, on May 25.
“We salute Captain Tabobo’s heroism (which) embodies the Filipino spirit of our seafarers —selfless, decisive, and always ready to help one another in times of crisis,” Cacdac said.
Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to honor the bravery and sacrifices of Filipino seafarers, DMW officials greeted Tabobo with banners, flowers, and applause during his arrival.
Cacdac said M/V Han Yi, under Tabobo’s command, was among the first vessels to respond to the distress call from MSC ELSA 3.
The DMW said this act of bravery further highlights the global reputation of Filipino seafarers as skilled, dependable, and compassionate professionals who uphold the highest maritime standards worldwide.
Reports said the vessel succumbed to flooding in its cargo holds, causing it to tilt, and eventually sank.
Tabobo and his crew successfully rescued nine Filipino seafarers, while the Indian Coast Guard rescued the remaining 11 Filipino crew members, bringing the total to 20 survivors.
Meanwhile, on a personal note, Cacdac shared that Tabobo proudly announced plans to get married this June, making his return both a moment of national pride and a personal celebration.
“This is truly a double celebration for Captain Tabobo —coming home as a hero and starting a new chapter in life. We will be inviting him to the DMW office in the coming days to formally recognize and honor his outstanding service,” he said. (PNA)
