Manila, Philippines – Filipinos are reportedly being subjected to racist comments by the people of New Zealand because of the massive oil spill caused by the grounding of a Filipino-manned ship, according to migrant workers’ welfare watchdog Migrante International.
Migrante appealed to New Zealanders yesterday for sobriety and understanding as some racist elements reportedly blamed the Filipino crew of MV Rena for the oil spill.
“We have received reports that they are now being subjected to racist comments and they now fear for their safety after the incident,“ said Garry Martinez, Migrante International chairman.
More than a week ago, MV Rena, a container ship with an all-Filipino crew, figured in a tragic grounding in the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand, causing fuel oil from the ship to spill ashore, killing 1,290 birds and four animals and injuring marine life. (JC Bello Ruiz)