MANILA (July 13) – All 17 Filipino seafarers of the M/V Magic Seas, which came under attack by Houthi forces while crossing the Red Sea, have been safely repatriated and are now receiving comprehensive government support.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, together with officials of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), personally welcomed 11 of the returning crew members on July 12 at NAIA Terminal 3. The first group of six seafarers arrived a day earlier, on July 11.
Secretary Cacdac commended the crew for their courage and resilience throughout the ordeal.
“You are brave and outstanding. We have the AKSYON FUND to provide assistance and support, but more importantly, you have come home safe,” he said.
The DMW emphasized that the seafarers will receive a full package of reintegration assistance, including immediate financial aid, medical check-ups, mental health assessments, and psychosocial counseling to help them recover from their experience abroad.
“Beyond emergency assistance, we are committed to providing long-term support to help them rebuild their lives,” Cacdac added.
The successful repatriation was made possible through swift coordination among multiple agencies: the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Migrant Workers Offices, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), MIAA Medical Team, and the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Secretary Cacdac expressed gratitude to all partners, especially DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, for their compassionate response.
In an emotional moment, the seafarers expressed their thanks to the government for its prompt action and concern:
“Maraming salamat po sa inyong malasakit at mabilis na pagtugon.”The DMW reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safe return, recovery, and reintegration of every overseas Filipino worker, guided by the principle of “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, walang maiiwan.”
