The Romanian Government reaffirmed its full support for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea during a bilateral meeting on August 5, 2026, in Bucharest.
The delegation, led by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, met with Dr. Raed Arafat, State Secretary and Head of Romania’s Department for Emergency Situations (DSU), alongside key officials from the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). The Philippine delegation also included Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Patricia Yvonne V. Caunan and Philippine Ambassador to Romania Noel R. Servigon.
During the meeting, Dr. Arafat expressed deep condolences on behalf of Romania to the families of the impacted seafarers and assured the Philippines of ongoing assistance through emergency response, law enforcement, and immigration agencies.
“We are very sorry for what happened. You can count on Romania’s continued support, whether for this incident or any future emergency,” said Dr. Arafat, emphasizing Romania’s intent to expand bilateral cooperation in disaster management, emergency preparedness, and humanitarian response.
Major General Marius Dugeanu, who led the European Union Civil Protection Team in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013, recalled the resilience of the Filipino people and echoed the desire for stronger mutual partnerships in disaster risk reduction.
Romanian immigration authorities provided status updates on official document processing for a deceased Filipino seafarer, confirming that the death certificate will be issued via official channels upon completion of the investigation.
Furthermore, Romanian officials committed to close coordination with the Romanian Border Police to streamline transit documentation for OFWs boarding or disembarking vessels in connection with recent maritime events.
Secretary Cacdac extended the Philippine Government’s gratitude to Romanian institutions—including emergency responders, police authorities, immigration officials, and medical personnel at Tulcea County Hospital—for their swift intervention.
“We deeply appreciate the solidarity shown by the Romanian Government during this difficult time. Your prompt response and unwavering support have brought comfort to our affected seafarers and their families,” Secretary Cacdac stated. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to protecting those who keep global trade moving despite extraordinary risks.”
Following the high-level meeting, the Philippine delegation traveled to the port city of Constanța to conduct welfare visits with Filipino crew members aboard the MV Christina B and to coordinate arrangements for the MV Ventura, which is transporting the remains of another deceased Filipino seafarer.
The DMW, through the Migrant Workers Office in Bucharest, alongside OWWA and the Philippine Embassy in Bucharest, remains actively engaged with Romanian authorities, shipowners, licensed manning agencies, and impacted families to ensure continuous welfare, psychosocial, documentation, and repatriation assistance.
