Manning firm exec probed for harassment

MANILA, Philippines - A crewing manager of the second largest manning agency in the country is under investigation for allegedly sexually harassing a female executive, a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agent said yesterday.

NBI Reaction, Arrest and Interdiction Division agents are going to get an explanation from the officials of the Philippine Center for Advanced Maritime Simulation and Training Inc. (Philcamsat) regarding the allegation against crewing manager Antonio Espinosa, according to special agent Elson Saul. Philcamsat is a training center for seafarers.

A female executive filed charges against Espinosa, accusing him of making passes at her and trying to solicit sex from her while they were with an officemate at a pizza house in Makati City.

Saul, a lawyer, said they will invite Philcamsat general manager Karen Avelino and sales manager Aileen de Guzman. De Guzman was reportedly with the complainant when the harassment allegedly occurred.

Sexual harassment is a big issue in the seafaring industry because a lot of women have been joining the ranks of seafarers, Saul said.

The complainant’s lawyer, Ramil Joselito Tamayo, said Espinosa failed to face his client at the NBI. Espinosa sent a letter stating that “he will surface at the right forum,” Tamayo said.