The remains of a Filipino seafarer, one of three killed in a Houthi rebel attack on a commercial vessel five months ago, have finally been brought back to the Philippines. The somber repatriation marks a painful chapter for the country's overseas maritime workforce.
A Long-Awaited Homecoming
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) confirmed the return of the remains in a social media post on Saturday, December 6, 2025. The agency stated that the seafarer's body was welcomed at the airport by government officials and grieving family members. The attack that claimed his life occurred on July 7, 2025, when Houthi forces targeted the bulk carrier M/V Eternity C off the coast of Yemen.
OWWA announced that the cremation for the deceased mariner will be conducted in Manila. Following the ceremony, his ashes will be transported to his final resting place in his hometown in the province of Iloilo. This process brings a measure of closure to a family that has waited months to lay their loved one to rest.
Government Pledges Comprehensive Support
In a television interview, OWWA Deputy Administrator Jasmine Gapatan outlined the broad spectrum of aid being mobilized for the victim's family. She emphasized that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is leading a whole-of-government approach to support Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their kin, especially in times of tragedy.
"We are prepared to give all of these, as we have the national reintegration network," Gapatan stated. The assistance package pledged to the bereaved family includes several critical components:
- Financial assistance and death benefits
- Scholarship programs for the seafarer's dependents
- Psychosocial counseling services
- Livelihood support for surviving family members
A Tragic Toll on Filipino Crew
The deadly assault on the M/V Eternity C resulted in the loss of three Filipino seafarers, highlighting the persistent dangers faced by the Philippines' large overseas maritime labor force in global conflict zones. The video of the attack was later released by the Yemeni Armed Forces. This incident underscores the ongoing risks in key shipping lanes and the human cost of regional conflicts.
The Philippine government's coordinated response, through DMW and OWWA, aims to address both the immediate and long-term needs of families shattered by such international incidents. The repatriation of the first set of remains is a stark reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by Filipino workers abroad.
