CEBU — Officials from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the local government in Cebu visited the bereaved family of a Filipino seafarer who died following a security incident involving the Saudi-operated oil tanker SIDR in the Strait of Hormuz.

The incident occurred on August 31, 2026, while the vessel was transiting the Strait of Hormuz. During the September 4 visit, DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac conveyed the condolences of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and assured the family that the government would provide assistance during their period of mourning.

Cacdac said the Philippine Labor Attaché in Oman is closely monitoring the case, including arrangements for the repatriation of the seafarer’s remains. The seafarer’s wife also requested an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death and rule out possible foul play. The DMW assured the family that it would coordinate with the National Bureau of Investigation in Cebu should they proceed with the request.

The DMW also committed to assist the family when the licensed manning agency meets with them to discuss contractual benefits, compensation, the seafarer’s self-allotment status, and other concerns. Government lawyers are expected to guide the family regarding entitlements under the seafarer’s employment contract and Collective Bargaining Agreement with AMOSUP.

OWWA and the DMW also pledged additional assistance for the needs of the seafarer’s children and family, including support for funeral and viewing arrangements. The Cebu local government, meanwhile, said it would help the family obtain documents required from government agencies and provide further assistance.

“Ayon sa Pangulo, ipagpapatuloy natin ang legasiya ng inyong asawa at ama sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng ganap na tulong sa inyong pamilya,” Cacdac told the family.
The seafarer’s wife and eldest child thanked the government representatives for their support, saying, “Salamat kaayo.”