14 August 2013 – Philippine Ambassador to Italy Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr. sent a two-person Emergency Response Team to Malta to ascertain the situation of the 21 Filipino seafarers aboard the ship, A Lady Bug; to render necessary emergency assistance; as well as to dialogue/engage with relevant officials of the Maltese government and the local shipping community in Malta to ensure the welfare and protection of the affected Filipinos.

The Embassy team boarded A Lady Bug and provided the Filipino crew provisions such as noodles, drinking water and medicines. The team was also able to personally engage with the Filipino crew who are faring quite well despite challenging circumstances.  Consular services such as extension of passports were likewise rendered.

They were assured of the government’s continued support and assistance in the resolution of their current situation, primarily the payment of their wages. The Embassy expressed appreciation for the assistance extended by the Maltese government, the International Transport Workers’ Federation in Malta (ITF-Malta) and the KShipping Company of Mr. Kevin Attard.

The two-person Emergency Response Team was composed of Consul General Leila Lora-Santos and Assistance-to-Nationals Officer Antonio Balladolid. END