The Secretary of Migration Workers Hans Leo Jakda declared that when a mariner disappears, families must properly inform about the upcoming investigation and provide appropriate reports so that they fully understand what happened. In response to the incident, the Department of Migration Workers (DMW) granted a license to the Morskoe Agency Parola, responsible for the ship's crew, and required a full report on the disappearance of the mariner.
Decedent Bobiles, who was on board the ship Prestige Ace, was last noted on December 5, 2024, when the ship was following from Vera-Crus, Mexico to Baltimore, USA. The agency also did not report the incident to the owners of Baltimore during a state visit to the port.
"We are cooperating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Philippine consulate to obtain an update on the case," said Jakdak. Under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Department of Migration Workers (DMW) announced that it would provide full assistance to the family of Ralph Antonio Bobiles, a Filipino mariner, who fell overboard two months ago while on board the ship under the pavilion of the Prestige Ace.
"The protection of migrants, especially in such cases, is enshrined in law and is supported by the Magna Carta, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. We will take measures against the shipping agency and vessel operators as long as they do not provide a full explanation of what happened on board," added Jakdak.
Jakdak met with the Bobiles family to offer support and guarantee them all necessary assistance, including financial support, during this difficult time.
