Daily Tribune

NATION

7 Filipino seafarers return home after drone strikes in Strait of Hormuz

Neil Alcober · Sep 8, 2026, 2:57 PM

VESSELS anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. — Amirhossein KHORGOOEI/ISNA/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Seven Filipino seafarers from the M/T Burgan, a Kuwait-flagged crude oil tanker that was targeted in an attack while crossing the Strait of Hormuz, returned to the Philippines on Monday, 7 September.

The returning seafarers arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City aboard Emirates Flight EK2520.

Upon their arrival, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) handled their arrival processing and provided the necessary airport, welfare, and special financial assistance.

Together with their licensed manning agency, the necessary post-arrival arrangements were also made, including medical check-ups, temporary accommodation, and onward travel so they could return to their respective families.

OWWA's care does not end upon returning home. Through the OWWA Regional Welfare Offices, assistance will continue for the seven seafarers in their home communities and connecting them with suitable welfare and reintegration services based on their needs and qualifications.

From responding in times of crisis and returning to the country, to starting anew with their families, OWWA continues to protect and bring services closer to Filipino migrant workers.