All 17 Filipino seafarers aboard the MV Magic Seas, which recently endured an attack by Houthi forces while transiting the Red Sea, have been safely repatriated to the Philippines. The successful return and comprehensive government support for the seafarers come under the direct orders of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, alongside Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) officials, personally welcomed the final group of 11 seafarers last night, July 12, at NAIA Terminal 3. The initial six seafarers had arrived on July 11.
Upon their arrival, Secretary Cacdac lauded the seafarers’ courage and resilience during the harrowing ordeal. “You are all brave and courageous. We have an ‘AKSYON FUND’ to provide you with assistance and support, but that’s not what’s most important. What’s important is that you have returned home safely,” he stated.
The Secretary underscored the government’s commitment to a holistic reintegration program, spearheaded by a “whole-of-government team” under the President’s leadership. “Aside from our immediate financial assistance and reintegration services, all the seafarers will also be provided with medical check-ups, including physical and mental health assessments, as well as psychosocial counseling to help them recover from the challenges faced abroad,” Secretary Cacdac added.
The swift and successful repatriation was the result of seamless coordination among various government agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), MIAA Medical Team, and Department of Transportation (DOTr). Secretary Cacdac extended his appreciation to these partners, particularly DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, for their vital support.
In an emotional moment, the grateful seafarers expressed their heartfelt thanks, stating, “Thank you very much for your concern and swift response.”
The DMW has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to ensuring the dignified return, full recovery, and seamless reintegration of every Filipino repatriated from overseas, embodying the principle of “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, walang maiiwan” (In the New Philippines, no one is left behind).
