THE 26 Filipino seamen aboard a vessel struck in Ukraine arrived in the Philippines on Saturday, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.
The seafarers, who were from the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier M/V Gingo, arrived via Emirates Airlines Flight EK334 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 and were met by DMW Assistant Secretary Julyn Ambito-Fermin, representatives of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Manila International Airport Authority Medical Team.
"The crew received airport and financial assistance from the DMW and OWWA and underwent initial medical checks upon arrival," the department said in a statement on Sunday.
"We are deeply grateful that you have safely returned home. We recognize your strength despite the hardship and danger that you underwent. We wish to remind you that no job or journey is more important than your life and safety. In the face of danger, do not hesitate to speak and always put safety first," Ambito-Fermin said in Filipino.
The DMW said that it and the OWWA "directed the manning agency to facilitate the seafarers' required physical and psychological assessments, debriefing, and the provision of applicable benefits and compensation." The DMW expressed its appreciation to the Philippine Embassy in Warsaw, the Migrant Workers Office in the Czech Republic, and the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Kyiv for their help and coordination in facilitating the repatriation.
"Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive, the DMW reminded licensed manning agencies and their accredited principals to monitor the status and condition of their deployed seafarers, ensure adherence to required safety precautions, and comply with established protocols for vessels carrying Filipino seafarers through the Black Sea," the department said.
The DMW stressed the importance of "maintaining close coordination with the relevant authorities and taking appropriate measures to safeguard Filipino seafarers, particularly those deployed in areas affected by armed conflict and other security threats." It said if OFWs are in crisis or distress, they may seek assistance through the DMW Aksyon Fund under the government's Uplift Initiative by visiting or contacting the DMW central office, the nearest regional office or Migrant Workers Office, or by visiting https://dmw.gov.ph/contact-us.
