20 January 2012 - The second batch of 74 Filipino crew members of the shipwrecked MV Costa Concordia arrived in Manila today on board the Cathay Pacific and Philippine Airlines flights from Rome, Italy.
The Filipino crew members were welcomed by officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (DFA-OUMWA) and by representatives from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Vice Consul Jarie Osias, OWWA Officer Ruth Roselyn Vibar and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Officer Oscar Cacho sent off the Filipino crew members at the Fiumicino Airport on Thursday. From the airport, the said officers proceeded to Hilton hotel where the remaining 114 Filipino crew members are temporarily staying.
On Thursday, the first batch of 108 Filipino crew members of the shipwrecked MV Costa Concordia arrived in Manila. They were likewise welcomed at the airport by officials from the DFA-OUMWA and representatives from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and OWWA.
Costa Crociere S.p.A, the company which owns the cruise ship, assured the Embassy that full compensation and refund of lost belongings will be given to the Filipino crew members. The company also guaranteed replacement of their lost cash and issuance of a formal letter of undertaking detailing the company's firm commitment.