Distressed OFW did not work in Taiwan

MANILA, Philippines - The overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who jumped off the departure area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 did not work in Taiwan but was a seaman who disembarked in Kaohsiung.

Jackson Gan, president of the Pilipino Manpower Agencies Accredited to Taiwan (PILMAT) issued the clarification in a press statement yesterday, saying the OFW identified as Bryan Philip Siman was deployed by Diamond H Shipping Agency, a local agency and he had worked in an ocean-going fishing vessel for nine months.

Gan added that the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) only approves job orders accredited with Taiwan’s Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) and is not concerned with sea-based shipping agencies.

Siman had complained that his employer had not paid his salary.

Diamond H Shipping Agency however denied his claim, adding that they are investigating the incident with their representatives in Kaohsiung.

Information gathered from Siman’s shipmates revealed that the latter had incurred huge debts while on board his vessel due to gambling and drinking.