ALL the 17 Filipino seafarers of MV Magic Seas which was recently attacked by Houthis while traversing the Red Sea, were all safely repatriated and provided with comprehensive assistance and support from the government as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac along with DMW officials welcomed the 11 Filseafarers last night, July 12, at NAIA Terminal 3. The first six (6) seafarers were repatriated on July 11.
Secretary Cacdac reassured the repatriated seafarers of all the necessary assistance from the government as he stressed the seafarers’ courage and resilience during the unfortunate situation.
“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,” Cacdac said.
The Secretary also outlined the government’s comprehensive reintegration support from a whole-of-government team headed by the President.
“Aside from our immediate financial assistance and reintegration services, all the seafarers will be also provided with medical check-up, kabilang ang physical at mental health assessments, gayundin sa psychosocial counseling upang matulungan silang makabawi mula sa mga hamon sa ibang bansa,” the Secretary said.
The repatriation was the result of swift coordination among 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 Department of Transportation (DOTr). Secretary Cacdac extended his appreciation to these partners, particularly DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, for their support to the repatriated seafarers.
