Thirty-eight (38) Filipino seafarers from four merchant vessels arrived safely at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Friday, August 7, 2026, following their successful repatriation from high-risk maritime zones affected by recent drone and missile strikes.
The crew members from M/V Marathi, M/V Minoan Pioneer, M/V Blue, and M/V Nissos Sifnos arrived via Qatar Airways flight QR932 and Turkish Airlines flight TK084. Their vessels sustained physical damage while transiting through the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Black Sea.
Upon arrival, the repatriated seafarers were received by officials and personnel from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Sea-based Team, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Medical Team. Representatives from the local manning agencies—Sea Gate Navigation Corporation, Intercrew Philippines Agency, Inc., and Bright Maritime Corporation—were also present at the terminal to assist their respective crew members.
The DMW and OWWA immediately extended financial aid, airport assistance, and immediate reintegration support to all 38 seafarers. The MIAA Medical Team conducted initial medical examinations and health screenings upon arrival.
Addressing the arrival, DMW Sea-based personnel emphasized the crucial post-arrival responsibilities of the involved manning agencies: “It is essential that manning agencies coordinate the necessary physical and medical checks, psychological evaluation and debriefing sessions, as well as the prompt processing of applicable benefits and compensation for our repatriated seafarers,” the DMW statement noted.
The latest arrival brings the total number of repatriated Filipino seafarers monitored by the DMW since July 7, 2026, to 218, following ongoing security risks and conflict incidents targeting commercial shipping lines in the Persian Gulf and Black Sea regions.
In line with directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the DMW reiterated its call to all licensed manning agencies (LMAs) and their foreign principals to strictly adhere to established safety guidelines and precautionary protocols when navigating vessels carrying Filipino crew members through designated high-risk and warlike operations areas.
