Six of the seventeen Filipino crew members from the ill-fated MV Magic Seas have safely returned home today, arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City and Clark International Airport (CIA) in Pampanga. Their repatriation marks a significant step in ensuring the welfare of overseas Filipino workers.
Three seafarers, including the ship’s chief officer, 2nd officer, and 3rd officer, landed at NAIA around 4:30 PM aboard flight PR685. They were warmly welcomed by a comprehensive whole-of-government team, led by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Assistant Secretary Francis Ron De Guzman, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Deputy Administrator Ryan Vincent Uy, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the MIAA Medical Team. Concurrently, three more crew members, primarily engineers, arrived at Clark International Airport around 4:00 PM.
Upon their arrival, the seafarers were immediately provided with crucial financial assistance. Each received P75,000 from the DMW’s AKSYON Fund and OWWA’s Emergency Repatriation Fund. The DSWD further extended P10,000 to each seafarer, while the MIAA Medical Team conducted immediate health check-ups to ensure their well-being.
Assistant Secretary De Guzman reiterated the government’s commitment, under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to ensure the smooth reintegration of the seafarers and to provide further forms of assistance as needed. The ship’s chief officer expressed gratitude for the Marcos administration’s support, despite still being in shock from their ordeal.
Following their arrival, OWWA arranged hotel accommodation and transportation assistance for the seafarers, facilitating their safe return to their families and communities. The government continues to monitor the status of the remaining crew members and is committed to their safe repatriation.
