In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to honor the courage and sacrifices of Filipino seafarers, Malacañang paid tribute to Captain Roybel Tabobo and his crew for their heroic response during a maritime emergency in India.

Captain Tabobo and his team aboard the cargo vessel M/V Han Yi were among the first to respond to a distress call from the MSC Elsa 3, a cargo container vessel that sank off the coast of Kerala, India, on May 25.

Through quick thinking and expert seamanship, Tabobo’s team rescued nine Filipino crew members trapped aboard the sinking ship.

Upon his return to the Philippines on June 4, Tabobo was given a hero’s welcome.

In a Malacañang press briefing on Monday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government, through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), paid tribute to Tabobo in recognition of his leadership, swift action, and selfless service.

Castro cited President Marcos’ directive to spotlight the heroism of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), especially those in high-risk professions such as maritime work.

“Ang pagkilala sa kabayanihan ni Captain Tabobo at ng kanyang crew ay ayon sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na bigyang-pugay ang katapangan, husay, at sakripisyo ng mga Pinoy seafarers saan mang panig ng mundo,” Castro said.

Captain Tabobo’s actions have been widely praised as a reflection of the dedication, competence, and courage that define Filipino seafarers, considered among the best in the world. | PND