Dozens of seafarers, land-based OFWs return
Among those who arrived were eight distressed OFWs from Riyadh aboard Cebu Pacific Flight 5J741 and nine distressed OFWs from Hungary aboard China Eastern Flight MU211.
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Among those who arrived were eight distressed OFWs from Riyadh aboard Cebu Pacific Flight 5J741 and nine distressed OFWs from Hungary aboard China Eastern Flight MU211.
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Forty-six overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Kuwait and 17 Filipino seafarers from the M/V Minoan Dignity have returned to the Philippines. They arrived Friday night, 21 August, via separate flights at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1 and 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 the M/V Minoan Dignity arrived at Terminal 3 aboard Emirates Flight EK334 after their ship was involved in an incident while traversing the Strait of Hormuz on 18 August.
According to reports, an unidentified projectile hit the M/V Minoan Dignity while it was sailing south of the Strait of Hormuz. Eighteen Filipino crew members were on board, and a Filipino chief engineer died in the incident.
The 17 surviving Filipino seafarers were rescued and brought to Khasab, Oman, where the necessary processes were completed before their repatriation.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) welcomed and assisted the 46 OFWs from Kuwait upon their arrival at NAIA Terminal 1.
Distressed workers
Assistance included financial aid, food, temporary accommodation for those in need and transportation to their respective provinces.
OWWA’s Regional Welfare Offices will continue assisting the workers in their communities, including referrals for welfare, financial, livelihood, employment, counseling and other reintegration assistance based on their needs and qualifications.
Meanwhile, 25 OFWs from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Hungary and the M/V Abashie also returned to the country. They were welcomed and assisted by OWWA at NAIA Terminal 3.
Among those who arrived were eight distressed OFWs from Riyadh aboard Cebu Pacific Flight 5J741 and nine distressed OFWs from Hungary aboard China Eastern Flight MU211.
Eight seafarers from the M/V Abashie also arrived aboard Turkish Airlines Flight TK084. OWWA, the Department of Migrant Workers, Manila International Airport Authority and a medical team assisted them upon arrival.
The agencies provided airport assistance and coordination to address the OFWs’ immediate needs and facilitate their return to their families.
