FOUR Filipino seafarers remain under investigation in South Korea following a record-breaking drug bust aboard the MV Lunita, while 16 of their colleagues have already returned to the Philippines.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed in a press briefing on Wednesday that it continues to provide legal and psychosocial support to the four crew members – two arrested and two considered persons of interest.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac assured that the 16 repatriated seafarers, who arrived in the country on May 11 and 12, received and continue to receive financial and psychosocial assistance.
A joint DMW-OWWA team met them upon arrival and immediately transferred them to their licensed manning agency (LMA) for debriefing and documentation. Undersecretary Felicitas Bay added that the DMW is working closely with the shipowner to facilitate financial aid for all involved seafarers.
While declining to discuss case details due to the ongoing investigation under South Korea’s Narcotics Control Act, Undersecretary Bay confirmed that legal counsel is standing by to assist the four seafarers still in South Korea.
The MV Lunita, carrying a crew of 20 Filipinos, arrived at Okgye Port in Gangwon Province on April 1.
The following day, a joint inspection by the Korea Coast Guard and the Seoul Regional Customs Office, acting on information from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations, uncovered over two tons of cocaine hidden in the ship’s engine room – the largest drug seizure in South Korean history.
Although initially implicated, the 16 repatriated seafarers were later cleared of direct involvement. They are currently undergoing debriefing and monitoring by the DMW, OWWA, and their LMA.
The ongoing investigation into the remaining four seafarers highlights the complexities of international drug trafficking and the challenges faced by Filipino seafarers working abroad.
