Remains of Filipino seaman killed in Honduras to arrive Saturday

MANILA, Philippines - The body of the Filipino seaman who was killed in a robbery-holdup in Roata, Honduras is scheduled to arrive in the Philippines on April 19, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) announced on Monday.

OWWA said the remains of Jaycob Escobedo Gaban will arrive at 9:10 p.m. on Saturday via United Air flight UA183 and arrive in his hometown in Sorsogon the next day.

Gaban, 27, was shot and killed by a robber during a port call on the island of Roatan last April 7, OWWA said. He was reportedly in a restaurant holding his tablet device when the suspect tried to snatch it from him. Gaban resisted and was shot. The killer was arrested and is now under the custody of the Honduran police, OWWA said.

Gaban left the country last October to work as an assistant cook onboard the cruise ship Norwegian Pearl. He is survived by his daughter and his wife, who is seven months pregnant.

The Department of Labor and Employment instructed OWWA to help Gaban's family, and OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon sent a team from OWWA Welfare Office Region 5 to provide psycho-social counseling to Gaban's family.

OWWA said it is ready to release the death and burial benefits to Gaban's family. A scholarship and livelihood grant will also be awarded to one of his children and his spouse.