Eight Filipino seafarers from MV Eternity C, a vessel recently attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, have safely returned home to the Philippines. Their repatriation was carried out through a whole-of-government effort led by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The crew arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Wednesday night, July 16, aboard flight SV870 from Saudi Arabia. They were welcomed by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, and senior officials from various government agencies.

Comprehensive Assistance for the Crew

Each seafarer received financial assistance from the DMW’s AKSYON Fund, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s (OWWA) Emergency Repatriation Fund, and cash aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). They also underwent immediate medical check-ups facilitated by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Medical Team.

In addition, members of the National Reintegration Network, including the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), committed to provide the crew with long-term reintegration support to help them recover and rebuild after their ordeal.

Coordinated International Effort

The repatriation was made possible through the close coordination of the Migrant Workers Office–OWWA Team and the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The DMW called on the public to continue offering prayers for Filipino seafarers still operating in conflict zones, while urging everyone to give the repatriated crew the space and time they need to rest, recover, and reunite with their families.


PHOTO COURTESY: DMW