261 Filipino seafarers repatriated after ship attacks in Black Sea

261 Filipino seafarers repatriated after ship attacks in Black Sea
Daniza Fernandez, August 25, 2026 https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/8/25/261-filipino-seafarers-rep...

MANILA (UPDATED) — More than half or 261 out of 400 Filipino seafarers have returned to the Philippines after their ships were attacked in the Black Sea amid the Russia-Ukraine war, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said on Tuesday.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the 400 Filipino seafarers were aboard 27 ships that were attacked.

"Patuloy lang ang ating effort sa pagmamanman ng sitwasyon. Karamihan ay unharmed. Of the 400 seafarers, ay mga 381 naman are unharmed," Cacdac told reporters.

He said more Filipino seafarers have signified their intent to be repatriated.

"Meron ding mga nagpahiwating na ayaw nila magpatuloy sa northern Black Sea gawa ng tindi ng sitwasyon," he added.

Cacdac said teams of the DMW and the Department of Foreign Affairs have been on standby in Romania and Turkey to provide assistance to seafarers such as repatriation and financial aid.

The DMW chief said they have also given assistance to the families of the affected seafarers such as psychosocial support and education for the children of the fatalities.

Based on the DMW's figures, three have died while 15 Filipino seafarers were hurt due to attacks in the Black Sea.

Cacdac urged seafarers to go back to the Philippines and called on ship owners to avoid deploying in the Black Sea.

HACKED SYSTEM

Meanwhile, the Palace said the Department of Information and Communications Technology is in coordination with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) after the latter's systems suffered a cyberattack.

"Nais po nilang mapabilis ang pagtugon dahil marami po tayong maaapektuhan na mga seafarers," Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a briefing.

MARINA assured that no seafarer lost a job with the system disruption as alternative measures are in place for the continued deployment of Filipino seafarers.

MARINA guaranteed that it is working 24/7 to restore the system.