Daven Tamayo

Filipino ship captain who led rescue of Pinoy seafarers gets hero's welcome

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has given a hero’s welcome to Filipino seafarer Capt. Roybel Tabobo, who led the dramatic rescue of nine fellow Filipino crew members from the sunken vessel MSC ELSA 3 off the coast of Kerala, India last May 25.He was met by DMW officials and personnel with banners, flowers, and heartfelt applause after he returned home on Wednesday morning, June 4 at the NAIA Terminal 1 in Pasay City.According to the DMW, the hero’s welcome is aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to honor not just the sacrifices and hard work of Filipino seafarers at sea, but also their courage, compassion, and willingness to help at times of crisis and unfortunate situations. “We salute Captain Tabobo’s heroism embodies the Filipino spirit of our seafarers — selfless, decisive, and always ready to help one another in times of crisis,” said DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac. He also explained that M/V Han Yi, the ship which Capt. Tabobo sails, was among the first vessels to respond to the distress call from MSC ELSA 3, which sank off the Indian coast last May 25. Capt. Tabobo and his crew successfully rescued the said Filipino seafarers, while the Indian Coast Guard rescued the remaining 11 Filipino crew members, bringing the total to 20 survivors. The secretary also shared Capt. Tabobo is also getting married this month. “This is truly a double celebration for Captain Tabobo — coming home as a hero and starting a new chapter in life. We will be inviting him to the DMW office in the coming days to formally recognize and honor his outstanding service,” Cacdac ended. Meanwhile, the rescued crew of MSC ELSA 3 are expected to arrive home in the Philippines by next week.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has given a hero’s welcome to Filipino seafarer Capt. Roybel Tabobo, who led the dramatic rescue of nine fellow Filipino crew members from the sunken vessel MSC ELSA 3 off the coast of Kerala, India last May 25.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has given a hero’s welcome to Filipino seafarer Capt. Roybel Tabobo, who led the dramatic rescue of nine fellow Filipino crew members from the sunken vessel MSC ELSA 3 off the coast of Kerala, India last May 25.