Ten Filipino seafarers who survived the attack on the cargo vessel MV Minervagracht safely returned to the Philippines on Friday night, October 4, aboard Air France Flight 224 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City.
Their arrival followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for government agencies to provide full assistance to the affected crew. “Kawawa talaga ang ating mga tripulante sa ganitong sitwasyon, kaya bigyan natin sila ng ganap na tulong,” the President said, instructing the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and other agencies to ensure the seafarers’ protection, welfare, and reintegration.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac personally welcomed the crew at the airport, assuring them that the department would carry out the President’s orders in full. “Tutulungan namin kayo sa inyong ganap na panunumbalik, sa paghahanap muli ng trabaho, pagkakaroon ng kabuhayan, at pagsasanay,” Cacdac said, emphasizing that being reunited with their families was the top priority.
He also guaranteed that the seafarers would receive all contractual benefits and entitlements, including health and psychosocial support services. “Sisiguruhin namin ang maayos na delivery ng inyong mga benepisyo at karapatan,” he said.
The repatriated crew members were also provided with financial assistance from the DMW, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). They received training vouchers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and temporary accommodation from their licensed manning agency.
Among those present to welcome the crew were DMW Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, DFA Assistant Secretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Ezzedin Tago, and other representatives from DMW, OWWA, DFA, DSWD, and the Manila International Airport Authority.
The safe return of the Filipino seafarers was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the Philippine Embassy in Ankara, the Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul, the Migrant Workers Offices, and their manning agency’s local partner in Turkey.
