The Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) is deeply saddened by the passing of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Asia Pacific Regional Secretary, Brother Jose Raul Lamug.

Brother Jose started working at the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) in 1995, before he joined ITF APAC as a Regional Secretary from 2018. As the first Asia-Pacific Regional Secretary of ITF, he played a vital role in coordinating with the various National Coordinating Committees in the Asia-Pacific region. His leadership and support in the region brought ITF closer to transport workers on the ground. He was a capable and steady unionist for seafarers, and his tenacity in advocating for their welfare has earned him respect among affiliates in the region. He was the key person in setting up the ITF Singapore office, and throughout his stint in Singapore, he was instrumental in reaching out to the various unions within the Singapore National Coordinating Committee (SNCC). His fervour for lifelong learning, in turn, helped develop commendable leaders and workers.

SMOU has known Brother Jose, who is also affectionately known as Brother Butch, for many years, since he was in AMOSUP, through the period when he worked in Singapore for about 4 years. Over the many meetings, meals, and drinks, Brother Butch has always been a humble, caring, and steadfast family man. He talked favourably of his wife and children with great passion and pride. During his wake, his sister and children spoke of him as being a doting father and a loving husband, sharing anecdotes of their favourite moments with him.