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MANILA, Philippines — The 22 remaining Filipino crew of MV Transworld Navigator, attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea last June, are now back home.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said the Filipino seafarers arrived on two Cathay Pacific flights (July 2 and July 3) from Hong Kong.
Five of their fellow crew members were already repatriated last June 30, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
READ: 5 Filipino crew of Transworld Navigator arrive in PH – DMW
The 22 seafarers were welcomed by officials of the DMW and OWWA, led by its Deputy Administrator, lawyer Mary Melanie Quiño, and Repatriation Assistance Division OIC, James Mendiola, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
“It’s such a great blessing to see all of you safe. Here in OWWA, we are open 24/7 if you need someone to talk to or if you need to avail yourselves of our services,” said Quiño.
The 22 seafarers also received financial assistance from the Philippine government.
“The immediate repatriation of crew members affected by successive Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden is in compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to make sure they can go home safely and quickly,” said Quiño.