Thirty-nine overseas land-based Filipino workers and seafarers from conflict-affected and high-risk areas have returned to the Philippines, including 17 crew members of the M/V Anna S, 10 from the M/V Mezairaa, two from the M/V Emerald Bay and 10 OFWs from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The 17 seafarers aboard M/V Anna S arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 after their vessel was hit by a drone on 17 August while anchored at the Port of Novorossiysk, a war-risk area in the Black Sea.

Ten crew members of M/V Mezairaa arrived aboard Emirates Flight EK332 after their vessel was involved in an incident on 24 August while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Two Filipino crew members of M/V Emerald Bay also returned home. They were among 19 Filipino seafarers aboard the vessel when it was affected by an incident in the Black Sea on 21 August.

The Department of Migrant Workers and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) are processing the repatriation of 17 other Filipino crew members of the Emerald Bay.

Ten OFWs from Riyadh who were affected by the Middle East crisis also returned home under the government’s repatriation program.

Repatriated workers were assisted by DMW, OWWA and the Manila International Airport Authority medical team. Seafarers received financial assistance, while their manning agencies arranged medical checkups, temporary accommodation and onward travel.

OWWA regional offices will provide reintegration assistance, including livelihood and employment referrals, counseling and other welfare services.