DOLE orders release of benefits of injured OFWs

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has ordered the immediate release of benefits of the three Filipinos injured in the oil rig explosion.

“Although they sustained only minor injuries and have been determined fit to return to work, the agency requested their employer to send them home so they could recuperate,” Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said.

She said she has directed the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to fast track the release of benefits of the said OFWs.

The labor chief said DNR Offshore and Crewing Services, Inc., the deploying agency of the OFWs, informed DOLE that Nick de Guzman, Paulino Obenieta and Jovito Canencia have already arrived in the Philippines.

Baldoz said that the agency has arranged and provided the necessary meet-and-greet service and transportation upon arrival of the three OFWs.

The agency also said that it will arrange for their medical examination and post-traumatic counseling.

Two OFWs died and seven were injured when an explosion occurred in an oil rig operated by Grand Isle Shipyard, Inc. off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Washington visited and provided assistance to the victims at the hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Baldoz said that the three OFWs are OWWA members and are entitled to disability and dismemberment benefits of up to P100,000 for injuries sustained due to the accident while working in the oil rig.

The families or legal heirs of the two deceased OFWs are entitled to P220,000 death and burial benefits because their deaths were due to accident.