In compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to extend complete assistance to Filipino seafarers affected by the attack on the MV Minervagracht, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), led by Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, personally welcomed the ten Filipino crew members safely returning home via Air France Flight No. 224 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

Comprehensive Reintegration Support
The President earlier instructed concerned government agencies to ensure that the repatriated seafarers receive adequate aid, protection, and reintegration support. Following this, Secretary Cacdac reaffirmed the DMW’s commitment to carrying out the directive, emphasizing that the welfare of the crew and their families remains the top priority.

The seafarers will be assisted in rebuilding their lives through employment facilitation, livelihood programs, and specialized training, ensuring a smooth transition back to normalcy.

Benefits and Health Assistance

The DMW also guaranteed that all contractual benefits and entitlements due to the crew members will be properly processed. In coordination with relevant agencies, the government is providing comprehensive support, including physical and mental health services, as well as psychosocial counseling complementing the efforts of their licensed manning agency.

The crew received financial assistance from the DMW, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Additional aid included training vouchers from TESDA and temporary accommodation provided by their manning agency.

Government and Embassy Coordination
The successful repatriation was made possible through the cooperation of the Philippine Embassy in Ankara, the Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul, the Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs), and the local manning agency in Istanbul.

Present during the arrival were DMW officials, including Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia, DFA Assistant Secretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Ezzedin Tago, and other key representatives from OWWA, DFA, DSWD, and the MIAA Medical Team.

The event underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding Filipino seafarers, ensuring their rights, welfare, and well-being both at sea and upon their return home.