DMW Confirms 12 More Filipino Seafarers Survive Middle East Attack, 7,300 Marked Safe
In a significant update from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced that twelve additional Filipino seafarers have survived a vessel attack in the Middle East. This news comes amid ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the region.
Survivors and Safety Updates
During a press briefing on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Secretary Cacdac revealed that the twelve crew members were safe following an attack off the waters of Iraq approximately three days prior. "Thank God, the 12 Filipino crew members were safe from the attack off the waters of Iraq some three days ago," Cacdac stated. He added that their manning agencies are already coordinating their return, with expectations for them to be home soon.
This group is separate from the 38 crew members of two tankers attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, who were previously rescued. In a broader safety assessment, the DMW chief reported that over 7,000 Filipino seafarers in the Gulf region have been marked as "safe" by their respective ship owners and manning agencies. "We have monitored around 7,300 seafarers in and around the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman vicinity. All have been marked safe," Cacdac confirmed.
Ongoing Concerns and Repatriation Efforts
Despite these positive developments, concerns remain for one missing Filipino seafarer who was aboard an attacked tugboat assisting a distressed vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Cacdac emphasized caution, saying, "We are continuously awaiting the situation. We request patience and understanding of the public. We make no conclusions about what his current status is."
In a related development, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provided updates on repatriation efforts. Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan disclosed that more than 600 OFWs are expected to be repatriated in the coming days as hostilities in the Middle East escalate. "Those ready for repatriation are totaling 657. These include those that will be on chartered flights as well as commercial flights," Caunan explained.
These individuals will join an estimated 1,200 OFWs and dependents who have already been brought home recently. Caunan noted, "We are nearing 1,200 government-funded repatriation... Based on the numbers we have received, the dependents are around 282." She projected that by the end of the week, the total could reach around 2,000 government-sponsored repatriations.
Impact and Relief for the Philippine Government
The return of approximately 2,000 OFWs is expected to bring significant relief to the Philippine government, as they represent the majority of those who requested repatriation following the outbreak of hostilities. "At least there will be some relief. By next week, we can say that the initial requests for repatriation has been reduced quite a bit," Caunan remarked, highlighting the progress in these critical operations.
This comprehensive response underscores the ongoing challenges and coordinated efforts to protect Filipino workers abroad amidst regional tensions.
