Iloilo city: Concerned government agencies have assured assistance to the family of an Ilonggo seafarer who died while on board a cargo vessel that exploded at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas in Johor, Malaysia.

According to Philippines News Agency, the assurance was made by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Secretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan upon receipt of a communication from Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda asking for their intervention. A news release from Baronda’s office confirmed that the lawmaker had been informed of the explosion on Nov. 7, 2025, which resulted in three fatalities, including a resident of Iloilo City.

The lawmaker requested assistance in repatriating the remains of the victim at the soonest possible time, as well as other help that could be extended. Relatives of the victim noted that OWWA has already reached out to them and provided updates on the repatriation process.

The vessel, MSC Kyparissia, was unloading cargo when the incident occurred. Johor State Fire and Rescue Department operations commander, Mohamad Anuar Mohamad Amdzah, reported a loud explosion followed by thick smoke emanating from below the deck of the vessel. The incident not only claimed three lives but also injured three others, who were subsequently hospitalized for treatment.