Subic fishermen’s kin seek justice
October 11, 2023 · By Mahatma Randy V. Datu for www.manilatimes.net
Subic fishermen’s kin seek justice
SUBIC, Zambales: The families of the three fishermen from this town who were killed when their fishing boat was rammed by a passing sea vessel in the West Philippine Sea appealed to the government to find the culprit and provide financial assistance to their orphaned children.
Lina Laudencia, 44, sister of the 46-year-old boat’s skipper Dexter Laudencia who died in the accident, said she believed the government is capable of giving justice for the death of the fishermen who were all breadwinners of their families.
FISHERMEN’S WAKE Families of the three fishermen who died after the boat they were riding were rammed by a foreign vessel in the West Philippine Sea hold vigil for the three victims of the incident in Zambales. PHOTO BY MAHATMA RANDY V. DATU
A father of three, Dexter had to endure the perils of every fishing trip just to put food on the table of his family, Lina said in an interview.
“My brother’s children are still young and he worked hard to make sure they would finish their studies,” Lina shared.
She asked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure that the foreign vessel that hit the fishermen’s boat would be held accountable.
“I believe in our government’s capability to deliver justice for my brother and his companions. The vessel has already been identified and a government-to-government cooperation would help resolve this,” Lina said.
She added: “I hope my brother’s children would be given a scholarship by our government so they could continue their schooling as what my late brother wanted so badly.”
Evelyn Mejico, 64, mother of another fisherman, Romeo Mejico, 38, who perished in the incident, was hoping that the government would act swiftly to get justice for her son and his companions.
“My son provided for us and his own family, especially his five young children. Now that he’s gone, I hope the government would help us,” Evelyn said during an interview at the wake for the victims.
The only other victim identified as Benidecto Olandra, 63, died in the tragedy and his family had also appealed to President Marcos to ensure that justice would be served.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) has extended assistance to the families of the three fishermen who died in the ramming incident.
In a statement Friday, the DA-BFAR said its national director, Demosthenes Escoto, turned over P20,000 in financial aid and food packages to each bereaved family during his visit to the wake of Benidecto Olandria, Dexter Laudencia and Romeo Mejico Jr. in Barangay Calapandayan on Thursday night.
“BFAR sympathizes with you wholeheartedly. We know that no amount of help can equal the lives of your loved ones, but our agency is here to provide initial assistance and ease your feelings even for just a little,” Escoto told the families.
He said the BFAR would also provide scholarships for their children’s college education in fisheries at any state college or university where they are qualified for admission.
The education assistance covers tuition, monthly stipend, and thesis allowance until they finish the program.
Scholars will also be prioritized by the DA-BFAR for employment, Escoto added.
On the other hand, the 11 survivors of the maritime incident each received P2,000 cash aid and food packs from the bureau.
Escoto has likewise committed to help in repairing the vessel that was damaged during the October 2 incident to help the affected fisherfolk resume their livelihood activities.
The BFAR would also provide a new 62-footer fiberglass reinforced plastic fishing boat to the Subic Commercial Operators Fishing Association Inc.
