Maritime Safety and Seafarers' Welfare
Raffy Tulfo leads Senate probe on missing seafarers
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Senator Raffy Tulfo has raised concerns over the increasing cases of missing seafarers while on duty and has called for the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in critical areas of vessels to address the issue.
During a Senate migrant workers committee hearing on Thursday, March 6, Tulfo investigated the mysterious disappearances of several seafarers, including Ralph Anthony Bobiles, last seen on December 5, 2024; Abraham Leonen, who went missing on November 1, 2024; Jimbo Cadungog, who disappeared on August 31, 2024; and Vincent San Diego, missing since June 16, 2023.
In Bobiles' case, he was last seen attending a meeting with colleagues on the day he vanished, and the porthole in his cabin was found open. Another seafarer, Jeric Bueno, went missing on February 22, 2025, and was found dead five days later, with his remains discovered afloat.
Tulfo urged Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac to consider mandating the installation of CCTV cameras on ships, particularly in key areas such as decks, railings, cabin portals, and exit points. He emphasized that this measure could help determine whether disappearances are due to foul play or accidents, such as falling overboard.
The senator also announced his intention to propose this requirement at the next International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) organized by the International Maritime Organization. “Through the SOLAS Convention, I want to require all ships worldwide with seafarers to install CCTV cameras,” Tulfo said. “If these cameras are in place, we can determine whether accidents occurred or if someone was pushed,” he added.
In addition to CCTV installation, Tulfo suggested improving mental health support for seafarers by ensuring ships have psychologists or counselors onboard or by providing prescribed medication for those diagnosed with depression. According to the National Maritime Polytechnic, 189 seafarers were recorded to have mental health conditions between 2018 and 2022.
The Philippines, known as the “ship manning capital of the world,” is a leading global supplier of seafarers, making these measures crucial for safeguarding their welfare.
CC: politiko com ph
Note: This AI-generated summary may contain inaccuracies. For complete context, refer to the full article.
During a Senate migrant workers committee hearing on Thursday, March 6, Tulfo investigated the mysterious disappearances of several seafarers, including Ralph Anthony Bobiles, last seen on December 5, 2024; Abraham Leonen, who went missing on November 1, 2024; Jimbo Cadungog, who disappeared on August 31, 2024; and Vincent San Diego, missing since June 16, 2023.
In Bobiles' case, he was last seen attending a meeting with colleagues on the day he vanished, and the porthole in his cabin was found open. Another seafarer, Jeric Bueno, went missing on February 22, 2025, and was found dead five days later, with his remains discovered afloat.
Tulfo urged Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac to consider mandating the installation of CCTV cameras on ships, particularly in key areas such as decks, railings, cabin portals, and exit points. He emphasized that this measure could help determine whether disappearances are due to foul play or accidents, such as falling overboard.
The senator also announced his intention to propose this requirement at the next International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) organized by the International Maritime Organization. “Through the SOLAS Convention, I want to require all ships worldwide with seafarers to install CCTV cameras,” Tulfo said. “If these cameras are in place, we can determine whether accidents occurred or if someone was pushed,” he added.
In addition to CCTV installation, Tulfo suggested improving mental health support for seafarers by ensuring ships have psychologists or counselors onboard or by providing prescribed medication for those diagnosed with depression. According to the National Maritime Polytechnic, 189 seafarers were recorded to have mental health conditions between 2018 and 2022.
The Philippines, known as the “ship manning capital of the world,” is a leading global supplier of seafarers, making these measures crucial for safeguarding their welfare.
CC: politiko com ph
Note: This AI-generated summary may contain inaccuracies. For complete context, refer to the full article.