DMW: 4 more vessels with 93 Pinoy crew safely exit Strait of Hormuz

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Friday said four more vessels carrying 93 Filipino seafarers have safely exited the Strait of Hormuz amid the tensions in the Middle East.

In a statement, the DMW said the latest development brings the total number of Filipino seafarers on board vessels that have passed through and exited the area to over 1,200 as of Wednesday, April 29.

“The DMW continues to closely monitor developments in the Persian Gulf and Oman Gulf, to ensure the safety and security of Filipino Seafarers on board vessels in these waters,” the agency said.

“The Department remains in close coordination with shipping principals, manning agencies and families of the crew, for updates and needed support,” it added.

Meanwhile, the DMW also reported the safe return of 129 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their relatives in the Philippines from Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Thursday evening.

The group, composed of 93 OFWs and 36 family members, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City around 9 p.m.

Upon arrival in the Philippines, they were received by personnel from the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

They were provided with financial assistance, health check-ups, temporary shelter, transportation, and food.

The repatriated OFWs were also referred to various government agencies for continued support under a whole-of-government approach, including access to livelihood and training programs, according to DMW. — Joviland Rita/BAP, GMA News