22 Filipino seafarers return home after drone strikes in Strait of Hormuz, Black Sea

Twenty-two Filipino seafarers have been repatriated to the Philippines after their vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea were affected by drone strikes in the Persian Gulf/Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Tuesday.

In a news release, the DMW confirmed that the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returned home on August 10, 2026. The seafarers were crew members aboard the M/V Acheloos and M/V Else that carried 14 and eight Filipino workers, respectively.

The returning OFWs arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 via Qatar Airways flight QR932 and Turkish Airlines flight TK084, according to the DMW.

“Sa ngalan ng ating gobyerno, ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Kalihim Hans Leo Cacdac, kami po ay natutuwa na kayo'y nakauwi ng ligtas at matiwasay,” Officer-in-Charge Asst. Secretary Agusto San Diego said in the press release.

(On behalf of our government, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, we are glad that you have returned home safe and sound.)

The DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provided immediate airport and financial assistance to the repatriated workers.

The agency added that the repatriated OFWs also underwent initial medical checkups conducted by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Medical Team.

“Kami ay mananatiling nakatutok sa proseso ng inyong pagpapagaling at pagrerekober kasama ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay,” San Diego added.

(We will remain focused on your recovery and healing process alongside your loved ones.)

The DMW and OWWA have directed the manning agencies of the repatriated Filipino workers to provide them with physical and psychological evaluations, as well as ensure that all applicable benefits and compensation regarding their repatriation are fully granted.

In July, following a drone attack between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea, the DMW reported that two Filipino seafarers were killed while at least 12 others were injured.

The agency reminded manning agencies that the Black Sea is designated as a “high-risk” area, reiterating that if a seafarer chooses to refuse sailing in such regions, their right to refuse must be respected. — BAP, GMA News