THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) late on Friday announced the return of 13 Filipino seafarers that were on board MV MSC Sariska V.
The DMW said the vessel was struck by missiles while departing the Port of Umm Qasr, Iraq, last June 1.
The Filipino seafarers arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 through Philippine Airlines Flight PR 301, via Hong Kong.
“Iraqi authorities swiftly evacuated the crew, ensuring that all 13 Filipinos were unharmed. Their safe repatriation was secured through close coordination among the shipowner, the licensed manning agency (LMA), and the Philippine Embassy in Iraq,” the DMW said in a statement.
When the seafarers returned, they were greeted by representatives from DMW, along with those from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) as well as the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) medical team and their manning agency, with support from the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC).
In addition, they also received immediate airport assistance, medical evaluations, financial support, and onward travel to their home provinces.
On Saturday, the manning agency provided the seafarers temporary hotel accommodations and will facilitate comprehensive medical and psychosocial counseling sessions.
