Samoan gov’t refutes ties with erring manning agency

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) issued an advisory yesterday warning Filipino sailors against dealing with an illegal manning agency claiming to be affiliated with the Samoan government.

In a statement, POEA administrator Hans Cacdac said he has received reports the Samoan government has issued a Note Verbale stressing it has no connection with Samoa International Maritime Authority (SIMA), which has been using its national flag and crest without its authorization.

“The Embassy of Samoa in Tokyo has issued a Note Verbale categorically confirming that the operations of ‘SIMA’ are fraudulent, illegal and do not in any way represent it government,” Cacdac said.

According to the diplomatic communication, SIMA has been victimizing international sea vessels and migrant sailors, who would like to work for companies based in Thailand and the United Kingdom through its website, www.maritimesamoa.com.

Cacdac urged Filipino seafarers not to apply from the erring agency.

Samoa is an island nation located near New Zealand in the South Pacific region.

Meanwhile, Cacdac said the authorities have successfully arrested last week the president of Cleopatra International Recruitment Agency, Cristina Honor.

Honor was apprehended by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNPCIDG) while attending the Continuing Agency Education Program (CAEP) seminar organized by POEA on 22 May, 2015.

Honor has an existing warrant of arrest from a Regional Trial Court in Muntinlupa for the illegal recruitment case filed against her by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“DOJ and POEA will coordinate in monitoring the said illegal recruitment case against Cristina S. Honor,” Cacdac said.