The family of Filipino seafarer Rodrigo “Rod” Favis continues to receive government assistance following his death aboard the M/V SIDR, with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) helping the family through his burial and the proceedings related to the August 31 maritime incident.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac joined personnel from the agency’s Regional Office 4A, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the OFW Hospital at Favis’ interment on September 19 at Eternal Gardens Cabuyao Mamatid in Cabuyao, Laguna.
Favis was among two Filipino crew members who died when the Saudi Arabia-flagged oil/product tanker was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Sixteen Filipino seafarers were aboard the vessel at the time, with the other 14 later returning to the Philippines.
The government’s assistance began before the burial. DMW and OWWA helped bring Favis’ remains back to the country and arranged transportation for his relatives from Los Baños, Laguna, to attend the Mass and interment. Financial assistance was also provided to the bereaved family.
The family is also among those eligible for other forms of support being made available to the relatives of the two deceased seafarers, including psychosocial services, scholarships, and livelihood assistance, subject to the applicable requirements.
Favis’ brother, JM Favis, thanked the government agencies for their continued support from the repatriation of his brother’s remains through the family’s subsequent needs.
“Maraming salamat po sa DMW—Secretary Hans, Region 4A at sa OWWA na hindi kami pinabayaan mula sa umpisa, na naibalik nang bansa ang labi ng aming kapatid nang mabilis. Kapag nangailangan ng transportation at iba pa ay talagang umagapay sila.”
Cacdac said the assistance being extended to the family is tied to the protections and benefits provided to seafarers and their dependents under existing regulations and agreements.
“Iyan talaga ang nasa kontrata na kapag may nangyari sa isang tripulante, yun [tulong] talaga ay entitled na hindi kawang-gawa ng ahensya. Muli, mula sa Presidente sa paghahatid ng pakiki-isa at pakikiramay, meron pa kaming assistance na ibibigay.”
The circumstances surrounding Favis’ deployment through the Strait of Hormuz remain part of the broader government inquiry into the incident. His family previously told GMA News that the passage through the waterway was not included in his employment arrangement and that he learned about the destination only after he was already aboard the vessel.
The DMW has also been examining the circumstances surrounding the manning arrangements. The agency previously emphasized that Filipino seafarers have the right to refuse voyages through high-risk areas, and that employers are required to respect such decisions.
For the Favis family, discussions with the shipowner are expected to take place in September or by October regarding the settlement of obligations arising from the incident. The DMW said it will remain involved in coordinating the meeting and assisting with matters involving the incident investigation, compensation, and insurance claims.
