MANILA — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has launched a full investigation into the disappearance of 28-year-old Filipino seafarer Ralph Bobiles, who went missing while onboard the MV Prestige Ace on December 5, 2024.
During a briefing on Thursday, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced the suspension of the Parola Maritime Agency Corporation’s license. The agency failed to provide sufficient information regarding the incident, including a captain’s report or investigation findings. Despite the ship’s crew being predominantly Filipino, only five out of 16 seafarers were presented for questioning.
The ship had recently departed from Veracruz, Mexico, en route to Baltimore, Maryland, when Bobiles vanished. Authorities are concerned that the crew failed to report his disappearance upon arrival in Baltimore, suggesting negligence.
Cacdac dismissed speculation about Bobiles taking his own life, emphasizing that he had been excited about a pending promotion. The seafarer had spoken with his wife shortly before his disappearance and was eager to advance in his career.
The DMW has vowed to hold both the manning agency and the ship owner accountable, with Cacdac stressing that Filipino seafarers’ families are entitled to full transparency under the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers. He reiterated that justice for Bobiles and his family, who are enduring significant grief, is the agency’s priority.
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