MANILA, Philippines — Nine Filipino seafarers from the vessel MV Rival, who were stranded at Ras Isa Port in Yemen amid ongoing conflict, have been safely repatriated and are now receiving assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

DMW Assistant Secretary Levinson Alcantara and Director Augusto B. San Diego III personally welcomed the seafarers upon their return.

The group immediately received financial aid from the DMW’s AKSYON Fund and OWWA to cover their urgent needs.

The seafarers will undergo medical check-ups and psychosocial counseling to ensure their physical and mental well-being.

They are currently staying at a hotel with their families while awaiting medical examination results, it said.