All 17 Filipino crew members of the MV Magic Seas, which was recently attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, have been safely repatriated to the Philippines and assured of comprehensive government assistance as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The first group of six seafarers returned on July 11, while the remaining eleven arrived on July 12 at NAIA Terminal 3, where they were formally welcomed by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac alongside officials from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Secretary Cacdac praised the courage and resilience of the Filipino crew during the ordeal. “Magaling kayo at magigiting. May AKSYON Fund tayo para magbigay ng tulong at suporta sa inyo, pero hindi ’yan ang pinakamahalaga. Ang mahalaga ay nakauwi kayo ng ligtas,” he said.

In addition to immediate financial aid under the AKSYON Fund, the seafarers will receive comprehensive reintegration support, including medical check-ups, physical and mental health assessments, and psychosocial counseling to help them recover from the traumatic experience.

The successful repatriation was made possible through the coordinated efforts of several agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Migrant Workers Offices, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), MIAA Medical Team, and the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Secretary Cacdac extended his gratitude to these partners, particularly DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, for their swift support.

In an emotional message, the returning seafarers expressed their appreciation to the government, saying: “Maraming salamat po sa inyong malasakit at mabilis na pagtugon.”

The DMW reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of overseas Filipino workers, ensuring their dignified return, full recovery, and reintegration under the principle of “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, walang maiiwan.”


PHOTO COURTESY: DMW