The repatriation of 11 Filipino seafarers onboard Ocean Star 86 stranded in Chinese waters is underway, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Friday.
In a statement, the DFA said it is finalizing the repatriation of the seafarers who have been stranded since March 24, contrary to claims by migrant rights group Migrante International that it failed to attend to the seafarers’ concerns.
“The DFA, through the Philippine Consulate General, is continuing to act on the needs of the 11 seafarers and will continue to exert utmost efforts to them, along with other stranded Filipinos in China in general, and in Fujian province, in particular,” the statement read.
It said a certain Jake Cruz sent an e-mail to the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen on April 22, reporting about the plight of the seafarers.
The DFA made contact with the seafarers, through an individual identified to be the team leader, to determine their working, physical and mental conditions.