House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez is prodding government agencies to respond to the urgent needs of the families of the three Filipino fishermen who died Monday, Oct. 2 in Bajo de Masinloc. 

"To assist the bereaved families during their time of grief, we advise all government agencies concerned to reach out to them immediately and extend financial support, counseling services, and legal assistance," Romualdez said in a statement Wednesday, Oct. 4. 

“In these trying times, it is essential that we come together as a nation to support one another, especially the families affected...We, in the government, are committed to ensuring that they are not left to face this tragic loss alone," said the leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives. 

The three fishermen died after their fishing boat was rammed by an unidentified commercial vessel tranversing the waters off Bajo de Masinloc. 

“President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has rightly and deeply expressed the nation's collective sorrow over the tragic incident near Bajo de Masinloc, where we lost three of our countrymen, including the vessel's captain," Romualdez said. 

"These fishermen represent the heart of our nation, braving the seas daily to provide for their families. Their sudden loss has left a void that reverberates across our country,” added the Speaker. 

Romualdez noted that the President has given the assurance that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is deploying every resource to uncover the truth, “rigorously backtracking and scrutinizing all vessels that were in the vicinity at the time". 

He expressed his full support for the President and urged for patience and understanding during this difficult period. 

“While the President has taken the lead in these challenging times, as Speaker of the House, I stand firmly behind him, echoing the call for patience and understanding. It is paramount that we, as a nation, trust our institutions and refrain from speculating, ensuring the investigation proceeds without hindrance,” said the Leyte 1st district congressman. 

"We urge all parties and nations with interests in the area to work cooperatively, uphold maritime laws and international principles, and prioritize the safety and welfare of all individuals at sea,” he said.