A group of 38 Filipino crew members landed safely at NAIA Terminal 3 after being evacuated from four different cargo ships. Their vessels—the M/V Marathi, M/V Minoan Pioneer, M/V Blue, and M/V Nissos Sifnos—were hit by missiles and drones while passing through or docked in volatile waters across the Black Sea, Persian Gulf, and Strait of Hormuz. The workers arrived back in the country on two separate flights operated by Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines.

Upon landing, the seafarers were met by officials from the Department of Migrant Workers, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and airport medical staff. The returning crew received immediate medical checkups alongside financial and logistical aid right at the terminal. Delegations from their hiring agencies, including Sea Gate Navigation, Intercrew Philippines, and Bright Maritime, were also on-site to assist their crew.

Government officials emphasized that local manning agencies must step up to take full care of the repatriated crew members. Agencies were reminded to arrange proper physical and psychological evaluations, conduct debriefings, and handle all legal compensation and benefits due to the workers following the attacks.

This latest group brings the total number of Filipino sailors brought home from tension-heavy maritime routes to 218 over the past month. In line with directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., authorities ordered all accredited manning agencies and foreign shipowners to enforce strict safety measures whenever their vessels sail through dangerous maritime passages.