16/07/2025
News Release
Department of Migrant Workers
July 15, 2025
๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ ๐๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ป๐ผ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฒ ๐๐ณ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฆ๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ
Eight Filipino seafarers, survivors of last week's Houthi attack on the Greek-managed vessel M/V Eternity C have safely reached Jizan Port in Saudi Arabia, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has confirmed.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac reported to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that the 8 seafarers are now under the care of the MWO-OWWA under the One-Country Team led by the DFA-Jeddah PCG in Saudi Arabia.
The eight (8) Filipino seafarers who had just disembarked at the Port of Jizan, joined the zoom meeting between Secretary Cacdac and Labor Attachรฉ Fidel Macauyag.
Labor Attache Macauyag conveyed through video call that the seafarers shall be brought to the hospital for medical protocols.
The DMW, in close coordination with the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, is working urgently to ensure the immediate repatriation of the Filipino seafarers and their access to critical support services, including medical evaluations, psychosocial counseling, and the reissuance of travel documents.
โThese brave seafarers have endured a traumatic ordeal at sea. We are working round-the-clock with their manning agency and the shipping company to ensure they receive the care and support they need,โ said Secretary Cacdac. โAs directed by the President, their safety and recovery are our top priorities.โ
The DMW, together with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other concerned agencies, continue to monitor their condition and remain in touch with their families to provide updates and assistance.
The DMW, in coordination with the DFA, are working on accounting for the 13 other seafarers onboard the MV Eternity C. The DMW has conducted home visits to the families of the 13 seafarers, and assured them of fullest support and assistance as directed by the President.
The DMW affirms its steadfast commitment to protect Filipino seafarers โespecially those caught in crisis situationsโand ensuring their safe return home. # # #