Seafarer Albert M. Coleto. (Photo courtesy of Bon Salinas)
BUTUAN CITY – The family of a seafarer from the Surigao del Sur town of Tago who died in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) welcomed on Thursday the investigation conducted by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
Ship worker Albert M. Coleto, 39, died on Oct. 9 after he collapsed while doing his job on board the Star Gwyneth Bulk Carrier while on a port call in the UAE.
In a phone interview, Bon Salinas, the seafarer’s brother-in-law, said the DMW has already started its inquiry on the case by summoning the manning agency and the representative of Star Gwyneth for a conference on Wednesday.
“The family welcomes the ongoing probe by the DMW. The Coleto’s family is seeking justice for his death,” Salinas said.
Coleto’s remains are scheduled to be flown to the Philippines between Oct. 28 and 30.
“We also requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a probe on this case. The bureau is still waiting for an endorsement from the DMW before the conduct of the investigation,” Salinas said.
The family, he added, also met with forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun to conduct an autopsy on his remains.
“She (Dr. Fortun) already consented to the request of the family to conduct an autopsy once the remains are flown here in the country,” Salinas said, adding that the family members are dismayed over the refusal of the police authorities in the UAE to conduct an autopsy on Coleto's remains.
“Our move will now shift here in Manila with the move made by the DMW and the request we sent to the NBI. We believe that a lot of circumstances still need to be uncovered on the death of Coleto,” Salinas said.
Meanwhile, Salinas also thanked Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III for his support in the family's quest to uncover the truth behind the seafarer's death.
Pimentel, in a letter addressed to DMW Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac on Oct. 18, requested assistance to secure a detailed report on the incident that led to the death of the seafarer. (PNA)
