Family of missing Boholano seafarer aboard Greek carrier seeks gov’t help

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol –– The family of a Boholano sailor has sought the help of government agencies after he reportedly went missing while onboard a ship from Brazil to Singapore.

Reinerio Augusto Real, officer-in-charge of the provincial government’s Overseas Filipino Worker Affairs and Anti-Illegal Recruitment Desk, said the family of Rogelio Dalen Balahay, Jr. has remained clueless of his whereabouts.

Balahay, 31, a native of Barangay Progreso in Alicia town in Bohol was onboard a Greek-based bulk carrier for almost nine months.

His family claimed they last talked with Balahay on August 31 and he told them that something “bad” might happen to him after he drew the ire of some of his Filipino shipmates.

Balahay was set to arrive in Bohol this October to prepare for his wedding in January 2020.

Real said Balahay’s case summary has been submitted to different government agencies like the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, and the Philippine Embassy in Singapore for investigation.

He was also coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the President for assistance.

Balahay’s family has requested the government to investigate the matter as they suspected a foul play in the incident.

Marino Ph, a community of seafarers on Facebook, shared Balahay’s case as it noted some Filipino sailors who went missing on board.

On Monday, it reported about another Filipino sailor who also went missing.

The family of Errald Danielle Cruz Caniel is asking for help after he has been missing since August 25.

“Calling the attention of any government agency concerned to conduct further investigation regarding these incidents. We’re concerned about the recent reports of missing Pinoy seafarers,” Marino Ph said./lzb