46 OFWs, 17 Filipino seafarers safely return to PH — OWWA

Forty-six overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Kuwait and 17 Filipino seafarers from the M/V Minoan Dignity have safely returned to the Philippines aboard separate flights, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said Saturday.

In a statement, OWWA said the OFWs from Kuwait arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 aboard Kuwait Airways Flight KU417, while the Filipino seafarers from the M/V Minoan Dignity arrived at Terminal 3 aboard Emirates Flight EK334.

Citing a report, OWWA said the M/V Minoan Dignity was hit by an unidentified projectile while sailing south of the Strait of Hormuz on August 18.

There were 18 Filipino crew members aboard the ship when the incident occurred, resulting in the death of a Filipino chief engineer.

The 17 Filipino seafarers who survived the attack were rescued and safely brought to Khasab, Oman, where necessary procedures were completed before their repatriation.

Upon their arrival in the Philippines, the seafarers were provided airport assistance and other necessary support by OWWA and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), in coordination with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Medical Team and their licensed manning agency, to facilitate their processing and return to their respective families.

Meanwhile, the 46 OFWs from Kuwait were also assisted by OWWA upon their arrival to ensure their smooth return home and address their immediate needs, including financial assistance, food, temporary accommodation for those who needed it, and transportation assistance to their respective provinces.

OWWA assured that its Regional Welfare Offices (RWOs) would continue to support the returning workers in their respective communities, including through referrals to available welfare, financial, livelihood, employment, counseling and other reintegration assistance based on their needs and qualifications.— MCG, GMA News