Five Filipino crew members of the  bulk carrier that was recently hit by a drone at the Port of Pivdenny in Ukraine arrived in Manila on Saturday, August 1.

The Department  of Migrant Workers said the five Filipinos arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 via 
Philippine Airlines flight PR731.

They were part of the Antigua-flagged M/V Inase crew repatriated following continued attacks on ships in the Black Sea.

M/V Inase  was struck by a drone while docked at the Port of Pivdenny in Ukraine on July 18.

Seven Filipino crew members were also already repatriated prior to this batch's arrival.

The seven arrived in separate batches as well on July 31.

According to the DMW,  Assistant Secretary Maria Regina Angela G. Galias, together with representatives from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Medical Team received the five seafarers upon their arrival.

The DMW and OWWA provided airport and financial assistance, while the MIAA Medical Team conducted health checks to ensure the seafarers’ condition and well-being.

The DMW reminded licensed manning agencies and their accredited principals to strictly observe safety precautions and comply with established protocols for vessels carrying Filipino seafarers through the Black Sea.