Fifteen Filipino seafarers on board MV Arosa and MT Gas Lisbon have safely returned to the Philippines after being affected by separate incidents in the Black Sea due to the ongoing tensions in the region.

Among those who arrived were the nine crew members of MV Arosa aboard EVA Air Flight BR261 and six crew members of MT Gas Lisbon aboard Qatar Airways Flight QR932 on Saturday night, 25 July.

Upon their arrival in the country, the returning Filipino seafarers were immediately assisted by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Migrant Workers to ensure the orderly processing of their arrival and immediate response to their needs.

Ayuda provided

As part of airport assistance, each seafarer received special financial assistance.

After the airport assistance, they were met by their licensed manning agency and temporarily accommodated at a hotel while waiting for their medical check-ups and travel arrangements to their respective provinces.

The OWWA said it will continue to coordinate with the affected seafarers through the regional welfare offices to ensure they are provided with the necessary welfare services, psychosocial support, referrals, and other assistance that will aid in their recovery and reintegration.