PRESIDENT MARCOS ORDERS DMW TO EXTEND ALL POSSIBLE AID TO FAMILIES OF 2 PINOY SEAFARERS KILLED IN BLACK SEA DRONE ATTACKS

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to extend all possible legal assistance to the families of Filipino seafarers who were killed amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

During a Palace Press briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that President Marcos has instructed DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac to immediately coordinate with the families of the affected seafarers and ensure that all available legal assistance and support are extended to them.

“Ang DMW, ayon kay Secretary Hans Cacdac, ay inaalam kung may nangyaring pagre-report para sa proteksyon ng ating mga Filipino seafarers. Kapag nalaman nila na may nag-violate na local manning agencies o foreign principals, maaari silang matanggalan ng lisensya,” Castro said.

The DMW reported that two Filipino seafarers were killed in recent drone strikes on ships operating in the northern Black Sea.

Castro said the DMW is also determining whether the seafarers’ deployment and protection protocols were properly observed, including whether any report had been made regarding the risks involved.

The Palace official said the government is continuing to look into the circumstances surrounding the incident to ensure that the welfare and safety of Filipino seafarers are protected, particularly those deployed in conflict-affected areas.

Meanwhile, Castro welcomed reports that four Philippine-registered vessels had successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions in the region.

She said the development was encouraging, particularly in light of the understanding reached between the Philippines and Iran concerning the safe passage of vessels carrying Filipino seafarers.

“Magandang balita rin naman po iyan. Nakakatuwa po iyan dahil alam din po naman natin kung ano ang naging agreement natin sa bansang Iran,” said Castro.

Castro added that Secretary Cacdac was checking whether the vessels had properly reported the presence of Filipino seafarers on board, as the government continues to ensure the protection of Filipino workers during their passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The President has repeatedly directed government agencies to prioritize the safety and welfare of overseas Filipino workers, especially those working in areas affected by armed conflict and other security risks.