LAPU-LAPU City Mayor Paz Radaza sent a social welfare and development team to attend to 25 fishermen, most of them from Olango Island, who were rescued by authorities in Palawan after they escaped “abusive” work conditions in a commercial fishing boat.
She said the team will evaluate their conditions and help them find alternative livelihood so they won’t be lured back into “muro ami” fishing, which is illegal and dangerous.
The fishermen were given rice, canned goods and noodles. Radaza said she had encountered fishermen who ventured out into sea, some as far as South China and returning months later.
By that time, their families had gone hungry and sought help from the city government, she said.
“Siguro naa ra gihapon nadala sa offer ka yang recruiter mohatag man sab og advance nga kwarta ngadto sa pamilya sa mo-uban (Some are still lured by the offer of recruiters because cash advances are given to the families of those willing to join).
Ordeal
At least 26 fishermen from Cebu and 52 from Bohol were rescued by authorities in Balabac town, southwestern Palawan. There were 23 fishermen from Olango Island and two from Cordova town.
They recounted their ordeal to Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III, who asked the Provincial Police Office to ensure their safety from reprisal.
The boat owner Ramil Noval and the recruiter Yulo “Boy”’ Plecerda, both from Lapu-Lapu City, were charged with violating Republic Act 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012, particularly the provision on “forced
labor and slavery.” The boat owner is still at large.