Global shipping firm wants raps junked

The NBI headquarters in Manila (File photo / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

A shipping company has denied allegations that it is involved in illegal recruitment and sought for the dismissal of the criminal complaint filed against it by a manning agency.

Marine Partners Monaco S.A.M. (MPM) recently submitted an affidavit to the National Bureau of Investigation to debunk the complaint, which it dismissed as mere harassment since it was filed by manning company which services it already terminated.

“MPM has never been involved in any direct recruitment in the Philippines, since it was coursing its recruitment through a duly licensed manning agency,” MPM representative and maritime expert Victor Dumagoso stated in the affidavit.

He said MPM has “existing manning agreements with first class manning agents.”

“Our Principal, MPM, would like to reiterate that in the Philippines they are doing business with many valuable and professional government bodies, managers and seafarers. MPM is used to work with them under a long-standing partnership, healthy business, and surely they are welcome to join our family.” he added.

MPM boasted of a fleet of 120 vessels around the world and 2,500 crew members.

Dumagoso said MPM has been in the shipping business for over 30 years, dealing with three generations of seafarers, providing a vast range of maritime services and offering qualified recruitment solutions.

Dumagoso also said the company is now coordinating with Filipino authorities to ascertain the facts for the purpose of filing counter charges against the officials of the manning agency.  /kga