Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac visited Filipino seafarers affected by the attack in the Northern Black Sea on 10 August in Yalova, Türkiye.

The visit was conducted to personally check on the condition of the crew members and deliver the necessary assistance from the government.

The DMW also provided initial assistance for the basic needs of the Filipinos.

Cacdac likewise thanked the government of Türkiye and the Department of Foreign Affairs, through the Philippine Consulate General, for their continued support in helping seafarers.

Drone strikes continue

Meanwhile, 22 Filipino seafarers from the M/V Acheloos and M/V Else arrived in Manila on 10 August, after their vessels were affected by drone strikes in the Persian Gulf/Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea.

The group includes 14 seafarers from the M/V Acheloos and eight from the M/V Else who were repatriated following incidents on their respective vessels.

The seafarers arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City aboard Qatar Airways flight QR932 and Turkish Airlines flight TK084.

They were met by OIC-Assistant Secretary for Sea-based OFW Concerns Augusto San Diego III, along with representatives from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) medical team.

The DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration provided airport and financial assistance, while the MIAA medical team conducted initial medical checks.