23 seafarers affected by Black Sea attacks return home – DMW

23 seafarers affected by Black Sea attacks return home – DMW
Zacarian Sarao - August 11, 2026 https://globalnation.inquirer.net/334419/23-seafarers-affected-by-black-...

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-three Filipino seafarers who were aboard vessels affected by drone strikes in the Black Sea have arrived back home in the country, said the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Tuesday.

According to DMW in a statement, the 23 seafarers arrived in Manila on August 9, 2026. Ten of these seafarers were crew members of M/V Christina B, while 13 were from M/V Asia.

The DMW said members of the department as well as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) rapid response team accompanied the M/V Christina B crew from Romania before meeting the M/V Asia crew in Doha, Qatar.

Upon arrival in the country, all 23 OFWs received airport and financial assistance from DMW and OWWA, while the Manila International Airport Authority Medical Team conducted initial medical checks.

Representatives of Southfield Agencies, Inc. and Intercrew Philippines Agency, Inc., the deploying manning agencies, also met the arriving seafarers after both DMW and OWWA directed them to arrange the necessary physical and psychological assessments and debriefing sessions for the crew, and to provide applicable benefits and compensation.

“Kami po ay masaya na kayo ay nakabalik dito sa Pilipinas, alinsunod sa bilin ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. at ng ating Kalihim Hans Leo Cacdac na agad pauwiin ang mga tripulanteng naapektuhan ng karahasan sa karagatan at magbigay ng naayong tulong,” said OIC-Assistant Secretary for Sea-based OFW Concerns Augusto San Diego III in meeting the seafarers in Manila, as quoted by the DMW.

(We are pleased that you have returned to the Philippines, in accordance with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac to immediately repatriate the crew members affected by violence at sea and provide appropriate assistance.)

Meanwhile, the DMW reminded licensed manning agencies and their accredited principals to observe required safety precautions and comply with established protocols for vessels carrying Filipino seafarers through the Black Sea. /jpv