Eight Filipino seafarers who were detained in Malaysia for alleged immigration violations have been released and are set to be repatriated, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced on Friday, April 18, 2025.
The seafarers, part of the crew of vessel MT Krishna 1, were arrested on April 11 in Kota Tinggi, Johor along with 12 Indian nationals for reportedly entering Malaysia without passports or valid documents.
Labor Attaché Jocelyn Ortega of the DMW-Migrant Workers’ Office in Malaysia confirmed the development in a video call with DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, following the decision of the Prosecutor’s Office and a welfare visit made a day earlier.
“We emphasize the continuing directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to protect the rights and welfare of OFWs, and implore the significance of the release during the Holy Week,” Secretary Cacdac said.
The DMW, in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Embassy in Malaysia, provided legal and welfare support to the detained seafarers through its Migrant Workers Office and OWWA team in Kuala Lumpur.
Cacdac credited the swift action to the leadership of DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo and Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela Ponce, as well as the efforts of the DMW-MWO-OWWA team.
The Licensed Manning Agency of the seafarers assured the government that salaries and benefits will continue to be provided to the seafarers and their families during the ordeal.
The DMW has also contacted the families of the released seafarers, offering support through the AKSYON Fund. “We are always reminded by the President to ensure the welfare and well-being of our OFWs, especially in times of their utmost need,” Cacdac added.
