Fifteen Filipino seafarers caught in separate Black Sea maritime incidents tied to ongoing regional conflicts safely returned to the Philippines on the evening of July 25.
The repatriated crew members arrived in two groups at Ninoy Aquino International Airport: nine crew members from the MV Arosa aboard EVA Air Flight BR261, and six crew members from the MT Gas Lisbon aboard Qatar Airways Flight QR932.
Upon arrival, officials from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) received the seafarers to assist with arrival formalities and provide immediate support, including Special Financial Assistance distributed to each crew member on-site.
Following airport processing, representatives from the seafarers’ licensed manning agencies met the crew members to facilitate temporary hotel accommodations. The seafarers will undergo comprehensive medical evaluations before traveling to their home provinces.
OWWA, through its Regional Welfare Offices (RWOs), will maintain direct contact with the seafarers to deliver ongoing welfare services, psychosocial support, and reintegration assistance.
These joint repatriation efforts align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize the safety and protection of overseas Filipino workers affected by international conflict zones. The Philippine government remains committed to ensuring the swift, safe return and full recovery of all distressed sea-based and land-based workers worldwide.
