Department of Migrant Workers ( DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac personally assessed the welfare of 19 Filipino seafarers in Yalova, Türkiye, whose vessels were damaged in recent attacks linked to escalating geopolitical conflict in the Black Sea. The visit underscores the persistent and severe risks confronting global maritime workers, as commercial shipping routes in high-conflict maritime zones increasingly face collateral damage, missile strikes, and drone attacks.
Accompanied by the DMW Rapid Response Team, led by Labor Attaché Adam Musa, and Philippine Vice Consul Maika Ros B. Fontelera, Secretary Cacdac boarded two vessels currently undergoing repairs at Park Shipyard. The M/V Inase, which carries an all-Filipino crew, was struck on July 17 while transiting the Sulina Corridor. One Filipino crew member sustained injuries and received medical treatment in Odesa, Ukraine. Out of the original 22-man crew, 12 were successfully repatriated, while 10 chose to stay. With newly arrived replacement crew members, the complement is back to 22 as the ship prepares to resume its voyage to Amsterdam via the Mediterranean Sea upon completion of repairs.
Meanwhile, the M/V Rostrum Optima was targeted by five drone missiles on July 18 while navigating near Russian territory. Two of its original 11 Filipino crew members have returned home, while nine remain on board awaiting replacements before their repatriation. To address reported trauma and anxiety stemming from the attack, the vessel operator arranged online mental health sessions for the affected mariners.
During the onboard assessment, the nine crew members of the M/V Rostrum Optima received direct financial relief through the agency's AKSYON Fund. Secretary Cacdac emphasized that the safety and psychological well-being of the seafarers remain an absolute priority, adding that the agency is ensuring immediate financial relief, psycho-social support, and strict enforcement of non-sailing guarantees in designated high-risk zones. Repatriation for the remaining crew will proceed immediately upon the arrival of replacement personnel, backed by an explicit undertaking that the vessel will no longer navigate restricted zones in the northern Black Sea.
The DMW continues to coordinate closely with international maritime bodies, shipowners, and Philippine diplomatic posts to monitor high-risk routes and enforce mandatory right-to-refuse-sailing protocols for Filipino mariners.
