DMW to assist fisherfolk vs manning agency

Photo by ABC

MANILA, Philippines — Nearly 100 fisherfolk sought the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) help on Wednesday after a manning agency failed to pay their rightful wages on time.

DMW, in an advisory, said lawyers and paralegals from DMW-Migrant Workers Protection Bureau have extended assistance to the fisherfolk. It likewise identified the manning agency as Buwan Tala Manning Inc.

READ: Lawmakers hear fishers over maritime dispute

“The fisherfolk initially reported that they were hired to deploy onboard vessels to the Indian Ocean. Their complaints include non-payment of wages, incorrect wage payments, poor working conditions, irregular work hours, and allegedly being fed expired food,” said DMW.

“Their statements will later form the basis for filing complaints and claims from the manning agency,” it added.

In a Viber message to reporters, DMW explained that they are still getting statements from the complainants to determine which cases should be filed.

It, however, assured the public that the move will eventually lead to the filing of multiple complaints against the agency for various violations.