Ship captain gets hero's welcome in PH

Ship captain gets hero's welcome in PH
Aric John Sy Cua June 11, 2025 https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/06/11/business/maritime/ship-captain-ge...

FILIPINO seafarer Captain Roybel Tabobo, who led the rescue of nine of his fellow Filipino crew members from the sunken vessel MSC Elsa 3, was given a hero's welcome by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) after his return to the country on June 4.

Tabobo, who was born in Iloilo and is also the captain of the cargo vessel M/V Han Yi, which was among the first vessels to respond to the distress call from MSC Elsa 3, which sank off the Indian coast on May 25.

At Terminal 1 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Wednesday morning, DMW officials and personnel welcomed Tabobo with banners, flowers, and a heartfelt applause when he returned home.

"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," DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said.

Tabobo, together with his crew, rescued nine Filipino seafarers from MSC Elsa 3, while 11 other Filipino crew members were rescued by the Indian Coast Guard.

Cacdac also revealed that it is also a double celebration for the heroic captain, as he is also set to get 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," the DMW chief said.

The agency said that Tabobo's "act of bravery" reaffirms the global reputation of Filipino seafarers as "dependable, skilled, and compassionate professionals who uphold the highest standards of maritime service, regardless of flag, vessel, or nationality."

The DMW said the rescued crew of MSC Elsa 3 are expected to return to the country at a later date.