Remains of seaman killed in Nigeria arrive at NAIA

The remains of the Filipino seaman who was killed when militants set a vessel on fire in Nigeria arrived yesterday morning at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The body of Vito Cruz arrived at around 10 a.m. via KL flight 803 from Amsterdam, said DFA spokesman Claro Cristobal.

Cristobal said the remains were brought to the Prudential Homes in Manila.

According to the Office of the Vice President, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will provide the victim’s family with P200,000 in insurance and  P20,000 in burial benefits.

Cruz was among the 19 Filipino seafarers onboard the oil tanker M/T Keno when the vessel was attacked by militants in River State, Nigeria last Dec. 19. A jetty fire caused the vessel’s oil tank to explode, prompting the 19 seafarers to jump ship.

Cruz’s body was later found floating off Nigerian waters with burns on his body. The other 18 Filipino seamen were able to survive. They arrived in the country last Jan. 6.

The repatriated seamen are Nestor Barba, Tomas Sapial, Pancho Lagutan, Richard Peniano, Manuel Tapang, Cesar Guadalupe, Edgar Ballesteros, Melchor Mallana, Elmer Temblor, Simeon Avilla, William Prosia, James Panaguiton, Jozane Ponce, Ronald Padasas, Alfonso Zarate, Frankie Viacrusis, Nino Luengas, and Alvin Jovellano.   – Reinir Padua