Missing deck cadet Ralph Anthony Bobiles
Brgy. Captain Elias Bobiles Jr. of San Roque, Tabaco City, has revealed that his planned trip to the United States to visit the vessel where his son, Ralph Anthony Bobiles, was last seen, will no longer proceed.
Ralph, a 28-year-old deck cadet aboard the Prestige Ace, has been missing since December 5, 2024, while the Panama-flagged car carrier was navigating international waters.
Bobiles expressed deep disappointment in an interview with DZGB News, sharing that the vessel’s owner refused his request for access to the ship. He had intended to gather more information about his son’s disappearance and personally inspect the area near his son’s cabin, where the ship’s captain initially reported that Ralph may have gone overboard. In response, Bobiles requested a video recording during the retrieval of his son’s belongings to ensure transparency and prevent potential tampering.
Adding to his frustrations, Bobiles discovered irregularities in the documents provided by Parola Maritime Agency Corporation, the manning agency responsible for Ralph's deployment. He alleged that some of the paperwork bore a forged signature, raising concerns about lapses in the agency's handling of the case.
Despite his repeated communications with Parola Maritime Agency and the Department of Migrant Workers Bicol, Bobiles lamented the lack of significant updates regarding his son's disappearance. He noted that the family has taken the initiative to uncover more information, with minimal assistance from the concerned agencies.
Amid the challenges, Bobiles remains hopeful that his son is still alive, stating, “I have found no evidence to suggest otherwise.” He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and reiterated that the most important thing for his family is justice, not financial compensation. “Life is irreplaceable, and that’s what truly matters to us,” he said.
The father also criticized the shipowner’s lack of cooperation, which he believes is impeding the investigation. He called on authorities and maritime organizations to step in and ensure transparency and accountability in Ralph’s case.
By: Dave Florian Balanon