MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Two Filipino seafarers from M/V Winner safely returned to the Philippines on August 25, 2026, arriving at NAIA Terminal 3 aboard Qatar Airways flight QR928. Their return followed the earlier repatriation of another Filipino crew member on August 22 after the vessel was reportedly hit by a drone strike near Novorossiysk, Russia.

The returning seafarers were welcomed by representatives of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the MIAA Medical Team, who provided airport assistance, initial medical examinations, and financial support.

Representatives of their deploying agency, LT Marine Offshore Services, Inc., were also present. The DMW and OWWA directed the agency to ensure that the affected seafarers undergo medical and psychological debriefing and receive all benefits and compensation due to them.

The DMW also reiterated its reminder to manning agencies to closely monitor the condition of their deployed crews and strictly observe applicable safety protocols for vessels operating or transiting through the Black Sea, particularly amid continuing security risks in the region.

OFWs requiring immediate assistance are advised to coordinate with the DMW Central Office, the nearest DMW Regional Office, or Migrant Workers Office (MWO) for available support, including assistance under the DMW AKSYON Fund through the UPLIFT Initiative.