The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported that approximately 2,500 Filipino seafarers remain stranded in the Persian Gulf amid renewed escalation of hostilities in the Middle East.
Stranded Seafarers and Successful Exits
In a press briefing, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated, "We have approximately around 2,500 Filipino seafarers still left in the Gulf." Meanwhile, he noted that over 3,500 Filipino seafarers have successfully exited via the Strait of Hormuz. "Around 3,671 Filipino crew members have managed to exit the Strait of Hormuz," Cacdac added.
Repatriation Efforts
The DMW has repatriated over 10,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents from various Middle Eastern states. Cacdac reported a total of 10,218 individuals repatriated by the Philippine government amid security tensions between the United States and Iran. "The composition is 8,390 OFWs and 1,828 dependents," he said.
Ongoing Assistance
Although the number of repatriation requests has declined, the DMW continues to offer assistance. "We still have our ongoing repatriation although it's unlike during April and May. The number is already declining," Cacdac explained.
