Oil firms raise pump prices

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is investigating the death of a Filipino seafarer who was reportedly infected with Covid-19 and whose body was found on a beach in Vanuatu.

DFA spokesperson Ivy Abalos on Monday said the Philippine Embassy in Australia was “closely monitoring this ongoing investigation of the seafarer’s death.”

“It was in the local news there a Filipino crew member was discovered missing from the foreign vessel as it left Vanuatu,” she said in a text message.

Abalos said the investigation will show if there was foul play.

The Philippine Consulate General in Vanuatu has been in touch with the manning agency which has informed the seafarer’s family, she added.

“Under Philippine laws, the local manning agency is mandated to ensure the deceased’s family will receive all benefits due,” Abalos said.

The DFA on Monday reported no new Covid-19 case, seven new recoveries and no new fatality among overseas Filipinos (OF).

As of April 19, there were 18,141 OFs who contracted the virus — 5,877 of whom were undergoing treatment. Over 11,100 recovered while 1,115 died.

The total number of countries and territories with confirmed cases among Filipinos abroad remains at 90.

The DFA said it “continues to partner with host governments to ensure the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad amid the pandemic.”

OIL companies raised the price of gasoline by 60 centavos per liter, diesel by 70 centavos per liter and kerosene by 85 centavos per liter on Tuesday, April 20.

Chevron Philippines, Cleanfuel, Metro Oil, Petro Gazz, Petron, Pilipinas Shell, PTT Philippines, Seaoil, Total and Unioil announced the adjustment of pump prices on Monday.

Last week, oil firms cut the cost of gasoline and kerosene by 25 centavos per liter and 10 centavos per liter, respectively. The price of diesel was unchanged.