Tulfo alarmed by missing seafarers, pushes for CCTV on ships

Senator Raffy Tulfo, chairperson of the Committee on Migrant Workers, expressed alarm over the rising cases of missing Filipino seafarers.

At a March 6 hearing, he asked Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac for updates on unresolved cases, including Ralph Anthony Bobiles (missing since Dec. 5, 2024), Jimbo Cadungong (Aug. 31, 2024), and Vincent San Diego (June 16, 2023). 

Cacdac said investigations are ongoing. The remains of Jeric Bueno, who went missing on Feb. 22, 2025, were recovered, but his autopsy report is still pending.

Tulfo urged the installation of CCTV cameras in key ship areas like railings, cabin portals, and exits to speed up investigations. 

Cacdac supported the idea but admitted enforcing it on foreign-flagged vessels would be difficult. 

The senator also said he plans to push for mandatory CCTV installations at the next International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea.

Meanwhile, Tulfo directed the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to require CCTV cameras on domestic vessels. MARINA agreed to issue a memorandum circular.IMT