ILOILO City — The Philippine government has assured the immediate repatriation of the remains of an Antique seafarer killed in a Russian drone attack in the Black Sea while extending financial, educational and funeral assistance to his bereaved family, as Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) secretary Hans Leo Cacdac personally visited them to convey President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s condolences.
Jude Prado Pagunsan, a resident of Sitio Wayang, Barangay Ubos, Valderrama, Antique, died after Russian drone strikes hit a vessel off southern Ukraine in the northern Black Sea on July 18.
On July 23, Cacdac traveled to Valderrama to personally offer condolences to the family and relay the sympathies of President Marcos.
“Ari ako diri sa ngalan ni Presidente Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agud magpahayag sang pag-unong sa inyo kalisud kag magpasiguro nga kami maga-atipan sang inyo kinahanglanon,” Cacdac told the family.
The DMW chief assured the family that the government would facilitate the repatriation of Pagunsan’s remains and directed the licensed manning agency to explain the benefits and compensation due under the seafarer’s employment contract, including concerns over his self-allotment status.
Cacdac also advised the family not to sign any documents without first consulting the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), saying the signing should be done in Manila in the presence of representatives from the manning agency, DMW and OWWA.
The DMW said it would shoulder assistance for the educational needs of Pagunsan’s children, while OWWA would provide support for the funeral arrangements.
Despite the government’s assurances, the family appealed for the immediate retrieval and repatriation of the seafarer’s remains.
“Sana matulungan po kami na mapadali ang pagkuha ng bangkay sa loob nang barko kong maari lng po sana. Magahulat po kami na sana may impormasyon na para mapanatag na ang isipan at kalooban sang pamilya,” said Nehj Tesa, the victim’s sister-in-law.
Pagunsan’s wife herself expressed gratitude for the government’s intervention. Glenn Ates, also pleaded for her husband’s immediate return.
“Daya mo bah, hulat pa kami kanimo mauli ikaw. ang mga bata mo nagap kanimo mauli man c papa ma,” she said.
Meanwhile, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. mourned the loss of its alumnus, describing him as a dedicated Filipino seafarer who sacrificed to secure a better future for his family.
“Your final voyage may have ended, but the life you lived and the inspiration you gave will continue to sail on. You will always be remembered with honor and gratitude…,” the maritime institution said.
The university added that Pagunsan’s death serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the risks and sacrifices endured by Filipino seafarers while working overseas and assured his family that his courage, dedication and service would continue to inspire future generations of maritime professionals./PN
