Pinoy seafarer gets P3M in disability benefits

A Filipino seafarer who suffered a slipped disk while serving aboard an international vessel has received P3.1 million in disability claims after a conciliation process.

The National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) said boatswain Fernando Guacena agreed to P3,182,175 as full settlement of his claims for disability and other fees.

“Guacena, who was repatriated in June 2009 due to slipped disk, has been working for 23 years as boatswain on board M/T Resolve through [Barber-Smith Bell Manning, Inc.],” the Department of Labor and Employment said in a news release on its website.

As boatswain, Guacena was in charge of rigging, anchors, cables, and the day-to-day sailing of the ship.

He met an accident while performing his duties on board, resulting in a slipped disk or ruptures of the tissues that separate the spine’s vertebral bones.

On July 23, 2010, Guacena, assisted by lawyer Alexander Ragonjan, filed with the NCMB Metro Manila office a notice to arbitrate, seeking full disability benefits, damages, and attorney’s fees.

Following conciliation and mediation conferences held by NCMB-NCR conciliator-mediator Amorsolo Aglibut, the two parties agreed to settle on Feb. 10.

“After six months, Guacena’s case was finally settled,” NCMB executive director Reynaldo Ubaldo said. — JA/PE/VS, GMA News