11 May 2016 - Eighteen stranded Filipino seafarers aboard DST Oslo in the port of Venice were visited by Vice Consul Flaureen Dacanay of the Philippine Consulate General in Milan and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Officer Jocelyn Hapal to ascertain their conditions and ensure that their rights and welfare are protected under Philippine labor laws. The officials interviewed the stranded Filipino seafarers who appeared to be in good health and expressed thanks for the visit of the Philippine government officials.

The port authorities of Venice were cooperative and ensured the Consulate General officials that they will extend the help required from the Italian side to ensure the safe repatriation of the seafarers.

Fr. Luigi Ramazzotti, the Italian priest who also serves as the Chaplain of the Filipino community in Venice, joined the Consulate officials. END