Four Filipino crew members of the container vessel M/V GFS Galaxy arrived safely at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 early July 19, 2026, aboard Emirates Flight EK336.
The seafarers were warmly received by representatives from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The arriving crew members were provided immediate on-site assistance, including financial aid, before being officially turned over to their licensed manning agency, JDA Inter-Phil Maritime Services Corp.
The Marshall Islands-flagged vessel was transiting the Strait of Hormuz on July 12, 2026, when it was struck by a projectile. The DMW confirms that while the attack tragically claimed the life of the ship’s Third Engineer and left the Chief Engineer injured, these four returning Filipino crew members were physically unharmed.
Following the incident, the seafarers were temporarily accommodated in Khasab, Oman, before being transferred to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. On July 15, representatives from the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai visited the crew to assess their well-being and coordinate the logistics for their safe repatriation.
The DMW is actively working with the licensed manning agency and relevant government bodies to guarantee that all affected seafarers receive comprehensive post-arrival support. The next of kin have been fully informed and will receive dedicated assistance.
“The Department reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the welfare of our Filipino maritime workers. We remain dedicated to providing immediate relief during maritime emergencies and ensuring our modern-day heroes are safely reunited with their families.”
