Nine Filipino seafarers stranded in Lebanon for months due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East have safely returned to the Philippines, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced Monday.

The crew members arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport aboard Emirates Flight EK 332.

The seafarers, who made up the crew of the vessel M/V Hawk III, had been stuck in Lebanon since their ship was detained in October 2025.

They were subsequently caught in the region’s escalating tensions and armed conflict.

Upon arrival, the repatriated sailors were met by representatives from the DMW, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and their local manning agency to receive immediate airport assistance.

Officials said the crew will also receive post-arrival financial and psychosocial support to aid in their recovery.

The DMW added that flight details for 11 other seafarers awaiting repatriation from the area are currently pending confirmation.

The extraction was coordinated by the migrant workers department, the welfare administration, the Migrant Workers Office in Lebanon, and the Philippine Embassy in Beirut.