“Nakikiramay po tayo sa mga naulilang pamilya ng ating kababayan na nasawi dahil dito,” Go said, expressing solidarity with the bereaved.
He emphasized the urgency of locating and accounting for missing Filipinos. According to reports, only five out of 21 Filipino seafarers aboard the MV Eternity C have been rescued so far, while two are reportedly dead and the rest remain unaccounted for. The attack happened on July 7.
It was noted that hours before on July 6, the MV Magic Seas — with 17 Filipino crew out of 22 individuals — was also attacked and sank, but all Filipino seafarers were safely rescued.
Go stressed the need for immediate aid to survivors of the Eternity C, proposing support not just in terms of relief, but also exploring transition jobs or livelihood options. He likewise urged sustained assistance and clear communication for the families of the missing, and reaffirmed that all rescued from the Magic Seas must also receive full support.
He has recommended establishing a dedicated hotline, insisting: “Kailangan po na ma-update lagi ang mga pamilya nila dito. Karapatan nila malaman ang kalagayan ng kanilang mahal sa buhay.”
DMW said that the agency is closely coordinating with the seafarers’ families and has emphasized that casualty reports beyond the two confirmed fatalities remain unverified pending interviews with the rescued seafarers.
Go reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), citing his role as one of the authors and a co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11641, which established the DMW to consolidate services and better protect OFWs globally.
Signed into law by former President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2021, this landmark legislation streamlined government services for OFWs to ensure faster and more responsive assistance to distressed Filipinos abroad.
“Kaya natin isinulong na maitayo ang DMW para may isang departamento na tutugon sa lahat ng pangangailangan ng mga Pilipino nasaan man sila sa mundo,” Go explained. “Hindi na dapat sila mahihirapan humingi ng tulong sa gobyerno lalo na sa oras ng krisis at pangangailangan,” he added.
Beyond legislation, Go has a history of responding directly to distressed OFWs. Earlier this year, he lauded DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for the successful repatriation of Renelyn Plaza Goloran, an OFW from Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, who was rescued from her abusive employer in Saudi Arabia after her husband appealed to Go’s office for urgent help.
Go’s interventions in similar cases date back to his time as Special Assistant to the President, when he facilitated the rescue of Filipino masseurs abused in Kuwait who had reached out through a radio program, and the repatriation of Malik Darimbang, an OFW stranded in Saudi Arabia for six years due to his involvement in a road accident.
Go’s health-focused initiatives for OFWs include a bill seeking to institutionalize the OFW Hospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga, ensuring it continues as a dedicated medical facility for OFWs and their dependents.
“Alam natin kung gaano kahirap ang mawalay sa pamilya. Kaya po ginagawa natin ang lahat para maiparamdam sa ating mga OFW ang ating malasakit,” Go said. “Huwag po kayong mag-alala — patuloy kaming magbabantay at tutulong para siguraduhin ang inyong kaligtasan at kapakanan,” he emphasized.
“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, anumang pagsubok ang ating haharapin sa susunod na mga araw, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go concluded.
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Sen. Bong Go