Nine Filipino crew members who survived the sinking of the MV Eternity C have arrived in Manila, closing a months-long ordeal that began when Houthi rebels struck their Liberian-flagged vessel in the Red Sea on July 7, 2025. Their repatriation followed a coordinated effort involving Philippine officials and international partners.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the development with gratitude, acknowledging the Sultanate of Oman for its role in securing the crew’s release from Sana’a, Yemen, and facilitating their transfer to Muscat. He also paid respect to the lone Filipino casualty from the tragedy, whose remains were brought to Oman along with the survivors.
The returning seafarers landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport last night on a flight from Oman. Joining them on the journey home were Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, Assistant Secretary Jerome Pampolina, and Director Augusto San Diego III. A delegation from various agencies — including the Department of Migrant Workers, Department of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Health, and Department of Social Welfare and Development — received them as part of the whole-of-government team directed by the President to support the repatriated crew and their families.
Speaking during a briefing at the airport, Secretary Cacdac outlined a range of immediate interventions for the mariners, noting that the DMW will help address their financial needs, assist their families, and process documentation that was lost when the ship went down. OWWA also extended additional aid, while the DOH committed psychosocial services, medical care, and coverage of expenses in DOH hospitals. The DSWD provided financial support upon their arrival.
Secretary Cacdac also underscored the government’s continuing directive to protect Filipino seafarers navigating high-risk waters. He stressed that vessels and crew are strictly prohibited from passing through the Red Sea while threats remain, and that “mananagot ang sinumang lalabag sa patakarang ito.”
