Thirty-two Filipino seafarers have been rescued from an abusive employer in Fiji after enduring months of underpayment, contract substitution, and delayed wages.
According to the Philippines Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the crew was promised a monthly salary of P60,000 (US$,1018.41) but received only P20,000 (US$339.46)—and often late.
“Filipino seafarers promised P60,000 (US$,1018.41) monthly pay but got only P20,000 (US$339.46) rescued from Fiji,” the DMW said in a statement.
The DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) coordinated the workers’ repatriation following reports of exploitation.
The action was conducted under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to protect overseas Filipino workers worldwide.
Labour Attaché Antonio Mutuc Jr personally visited the seafarers in Fiji, oversaw their safe return, and initiated investigations into the employer and recruitment agency.
The DMW said disciplinary measures will be imposed on those responsible. Upon arrival in the Philippines, each worker received P50,000 (US$848.64) in financial assistance from the AKSYON Fund, along with psychosocial and reintegration support to help them recover and restart their lives.
