DMW hails return of 9 MV Eternity C crew, confirms 3 deaths, 1 missing

DMW hails return of 9 MV Eternity C crew, confirms 3 deaths, 1 missing
Marita Moaje December 5, 2025 https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1264651

MANILA – Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has hailed the safe return of nine Filipino seafarers of MV Eternity C recently released by Houthi militants, as he confirmed that three died while one remained missing.

The nine seafarers arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Thursday evening via Oman Air Flight WY843, and were welcomed by the Cacdac, together with other government officials, and their families.

“It's very heartwarming. There's nothing more we want tonight than to watch them reunite with their families. The hugs and the kisses and the tears of joy, ako, talagang priceless yan. Parang today is a day na talagang ang sarap maging kawani ng pamahalaan (for me, really priceless. (It seems like today is a day when it feels really nice to be a government employee) to witness all these,” Cacdac said.

Meanwhile, he also confirmed that three of the 21 Filipino crew members of the ill-fated ship died, and one remained missing.

One of the fallen crew members had earlier been identified as Neil Roy Faner, who died when the vessel was attacked and whose remains have yet to be brought home. Cacdac said the two other fatalities were presumed to have gone down with the ship.

Cacdac said the missing seafarer reportedly jumped out of the ship and has not been found since.

MV Eternity C, carrying 21 Filipino crew, was attacked by Houthi rebels on July 7, while traversing the Red Sea. The vessel has since sunk.

Eight crew members who were rescued after the attack were repatriated and arrived in the Philippines on July 17.

Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ezzedin Tago attributed the release of the crew members, which included nine Filipinos and two Indians, to the strong bilateral cooperation of the Philippines with partner countries like Oman.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday expressed deep gratitude to the Omani government for its “tireless assistance” in securing the seafarers’ release.

He also acknowledged Sultan Haitham bin Tariq for Oman’s continued support for and friendship with the Philippines.

The President noted the timing of the repatriation as the seafarers will be reunited with their families before Christmas, while he also extended his condolences to the family of Faner.

Meanwhile, Cacdac assured full government assistance to the repatriated seafarers and to the families of the three killed and one missing.

He said the nine returning seafarers will undergo debriefing, medical checks, and reintegration support through the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), aside from the financial assistance given to them.

He added that the DMW, together with other government agencies, will also assist them with their documents, which they lost when the ship sank.

Cacdac, meanwhile, confirmed that Eternity C had sailed into prohibited waters three times despite government and international advisories warning vessels to avoid high-risk areas in the Red Sea due to active Houthi attacks.

He said the tragedy underscored the consequences of ignoring safety protocols, emphasizing that shipowners have a duty to protect their crew.

“Hindi kami masaya na walang reporting man lang dito sa kaso na ito. Tatlong beses dumaan sa (We are not happy that there was no reporting of this case here. They passed three times through the) Red Sea and there was never a compliance of the reportorial requirements under DMW regulations, never a compliance on the right to refuse sailing requirement which should be observed,” he said.

He added that the Filipino crew were not even asked or given the chance to refuse sailing, which is part of their rights.

“We're regulators. We don't mince words. We don't need to beat around the bush when we say, sana, wag na itong maulit (I hope this doesn't happen again) or else there will be punitive measures for manning agencies and principals who violate our rules on safety of seafarers,” he added.

Cacdac said that the Filipino captain of MV Eternity C would also be subjected to an investigation. (PNA)