MANILA — All 17 Filipino seafarers of MV Magic Seas, which was recently attacked by Houthi forces while sailing through the Red Sea, have been safely repatriated and provided with comprehensive government assistance, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced.

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, the repatriation was completed in two batches: six crew members arrived on July 11, while the remaining 11 were welcomed by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and DMW officials at NAIA Terminal 3 on July 12.

Secretary Cacdac praised the courage and resilience of the repatriated seafarers and assured them of the government’s continued support.

“Magaling kayo at magigiting. May AKSYON FUND tayo para magbigay ng tulong at suporta sa inyo, pero hindi ’yan ang pinakamahalaga. Ang mahalaga ay nakauwi kayo ng ligtas,” he said.

He also laid out the full reintegration support program spearheaded by a whole-of-government approach led by President Marcos. The support includes immediate financial aid, medical check-ups, physical and mental health assessments, and psychosocial counseling.

The successful repatriation was made possible through the swift coordination of various government agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Migrant Workers Offices, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), MIAA Medical Team, and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Cacdac extended special thanks to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and other agency partners for their assistance in ensuring the safe return and welfare of the seafarers.

In a show of appreciation, the seafarers expressed their heartfelt gratitude:
“Maraming salamat po sa inyong malasakit at mabilis na pagtugon.”

The DMW reaffirmed its commitment to the dignified return, full recovery, and seamless reintegration of overseas Filipinos under the banner of “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, walang maiiwan.”