OWWA Pushes for Increased Compensation for Family of ‘Missing’ MV Tutor Crew Member

PASAY CITY — The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is currently negotiating with the manning agency of the MV Tutor, a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, to secure higher compensation for the family of a seafarer who went missing after the ship was attacked by Houthi rebels last month.

According to Philippines News Agency, the agency has been proactive in providing financial support and is now advocating for enhanced benefits under the exceptional circumstances surrounding the incident. Ignacio detailed the assistance during an interview with the Philippine News Agency, revealing that the family visited OWWA’s office on Thursday and received PHP 220,000 in financial aid. Additionally, plans are underway to arrange a scholarship for the seafarer’s youngest child, who is nearing 18.

The MV Tutor, which had 22 Filipino crew members aboard, was targeted in the Red Sea on June 12. While 21 crew members were safely returned home by June 17, one seafarer remains unaccounted for. Following the attack, the vessel was reported missing on June 18 and later presumed sunk.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has categorized the seafarer as ‘missing,’ with DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stating that the death cannot be confirmed and that the shipowner has pledged to conduct a search for the missing crew member. The ongoing negotiations by OWWA aim to recognize the extraordinary circumstances faced by the missing seafarer and provide his family with appropriate compensatory support.