46 OFWs, 17 seafarers from M/V Minoan Dignity safely return to Philippines

Forty-six overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Kuwait and 17 Filipino seafarers from the M/V Minoan Dignity have safely returned to the Philippines.

They arrived in the country Friday night, 21 August, via separate flights at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

The 46 OFWs from Kuwait arrived at NAIA Terminal 1 aboard Kuwait Airways Flight KU417, while the 17 crew members of M/V Minoan Dignity arrived at Terminal 3 aboard Emirates Flight EK334, having safely returned home following an incident involving their ship while traversing the Strait of Hormuz on 18 August.

According to reports, an unidentified projectile hit the M/V Minoan Dignity while sailing south of the Strait of Hormuz. There were 18 Filipino crew members on board the ship when the incident happened, where a Filipino Chief Engineer died.

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

Meanwhile, 46 OFWs from Kuwait were also welcomed and assisted by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) upon their arrival at NAIA Terminal 1 to ensure their smooth return and address their immediate needs, such as financial assistance, food, temporary accommodation for those in need, and transportation assistance back to their respective provinces.

OWWA's assistance does not end upon their arrival in the country. Their respective OWWA Regional Welfare Offices will continue to assist them upon their return to their respective communities, including referral to available welfare, financial, livelihood, employment, counseling, and other reintegration assistance, based on their needs and qualifications.