DMW temporarily restricts deployment of Filipino seafarers to Northern Black Sea

DMW temporarily restricts deployment of Filipino seafarers to Northern Black Sea
Lyza Aquino August 12, 2026 https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/8/12/dmw-temporarily-restricts-...

MANILA -- The Department of Migrant Workers has temporarily restricted the deployment of Filipino seafarers to the Northern Black Sea amid continued fighting between Russia and Ukraine, until further notice.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the directive was issued to manning agencies and principals last week, following security assessments from the Department of National Defense and Department of Foreign Affairs.

"Last week bago ako umalis, nag-issue na tayo ng direktiba sa mga manning agencies at principals na huwag muna tumuloy sa northern black sea kasi matindi talaga ang hidwaan doon sa pagitan ng Russia at Ukraine," Cacdac said.

Cacdac said vessels may proceed to the area without Filipino seafarers on board, but ships carrying Filipino crew members are being advised not to enter the Northern Black Sea.

"Batay na rin sa security assessment ng DND, DFA napakalinaw pati ang international community, pati ang Turkish Government nagbalala sa gitna ng patuloy na hidwaan sa Northern Black Sea. They [vessels] can proceed kung walang lulan ng Pinoy seafarer pero huwag tumuloy kung meron Pinoy seafarer," he explained.

Cacdac made the statement after visiting Filipino seafarers in Romania and Turkiye as part of his 10-day trip to three countries, which also included Saudi Arabia.

He said around 20 vessels carrying Filipino seafarers have been attacked in the Northern Black Sea, affecting 282 Filipino crew members.

Of these, 261 have been reported safe and unharmed, while 174 have already returned to the Philippines.

“Ang magandang balita doon ay 261 of the 281 are safe and unharmed. 174 na ang nakauwi, nasa 70% na ng mga tripulanteng apektado ang nakauwi na,” said Cacdac.

However, three Filipino seafarers died in the attacks, while one remains missing.

Cacdac said the attacks involved drones and missiles, with some vessels hit multiple times. He said the DMW team, together with OWWA and Philippine officials, is assisting the affected seafarers and their families.

One of the fatalities has already been repatriated and received by his family in the Philippines. Cacdac also personally saw the remains of another Filipino seafarer in Romania, who is expected to be brought home this week.

“Yung isa, na siyang nakita namin ang labi sa Romania, ay pauwi nitong Biyernes. Kaya makakauwi na yung pangalawa, yung pangatlo isinasaayos na yung pag-uwi at through Romania rin ang pagpapauwi sa kanya,” said Cacdadc.

Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia and Romania, Cacdac also conducted prison and hospital visits involving Filipino migrant workers.

He said the DMW committed to assist OFWs detained abroad and provide support to their families in the Philippines.

In a separate incident, Cacdac also disclosed that three Filipino seafarers who docked in Bristol, England were attacked by individuals in the community near the port.

“Mayroon nang suspect na nasa kustodiya ng UK authorities at patuloy na minamanmanan at minomonitor ang situation tungkol sa sitwasyon merong ilang nadakip na suspects,” Cacdac added.

Two of the three seafarers have already returned to the Philippines, while the third remains in an intensive care unit.

Cacdac said the DMW is helping the family of the injured seafarer travel to the United Kingdom. His daughter has already arrived, while arrangements are being made for his wife to follow.

The three seafarers were reportedly on shore leave after their vessel docked in Bristol when they were allegedly attacked in a community near the port.

The DMW said it continues to coordinate with foreign authorities and Philippine diplomatic posts to ensure the safety, repatriation, and assistance of Filipino seafarers affected by overseas incidents.