Five Filipino crew members from the carrier vessel M/V Venturo have safely returned to the Philippines, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced.
The crew, who arrived via Philippine Airlines Flight PR 301, were repatriated due to escalating attacks in the Black Sea, a region marked by recent geopolitical tensions.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, along with DMW NCR Regional Director Falconi Millar and officials from the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA), greeted the returning seafarers at the airport.
Huwag isipin na nag-iisa kayo, ang inyong gobyerno, sa pamamagitan ng DMW at OWWA, ay nandito upang tulungan kayong muling buuin ang inyong mga buhay.
(cite: Hans Leo Cacdac, DMW Secretary)
This repatriation highlights the ongoing challenges Filipino seafarers face, particularly in conflict-affected areas. As of now, another 13 crew members from the same vessel are expected to return soon.