Remains of Filipino victims of oil tanker explosion arrive at NAIA

The remains of the four Filipino seamen of an oil tanker that exploded in a port in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Sunday night.

The remains of Domingo John Fernandez of Novaliches, Quezon City, Joney Marcelino of Mambusao, Capiz, Almie Omac of Davao City and Joe Morial of Southern Leyte were flown by Emirates Air.

Representatives of the Overseas Welfare Administration (OWWA) accompanied the grieving members of the victims’ families in claiming the bodies of the victims, who were crew members of the oil tanker Efxinos.

Earlier reports said that the tanker had an explosion while docked at the Fujairah Port in the UAE last June 18.

OWWA administrator Virgilio Angelo had earlier assured Nena Fernandez, the sister of one of the victims, that the remains of the fatalities shall be flown home and be transported to their respective provinces with the help of the government.

Angelo said the families of the seamen are set to receive P200,000 each as well as airport/repatriation assistance, scholarships and livelihood training opportunities, among other benefits.

The OWWA said the amount that the victims’ families will receive is part of upgraded insurance coverage program granted to active OWWA members and approved by the OWWA Board of Trustees during their regular meeting last May.