SIX of the 17 Filipino crews of the ill-fated MV Magic Seas are now finally safe at home after arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Pasay City and Clark International Airport in Pampanga this July 11.
The three seafarers landed at NAIA around 4:30 onboard flight PR685 and was immediately welcomed by the whole-of-government team headed by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Assistant Secretary Francis Ron De Guzman, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Deputy Administrator Ryan Vincent Uy, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the MIAA Medical Team.
Among those who arrived at NAIA are the ship’s chief officer, 2nd officer and 3rd officer. Meanwhile, three more crews mostly engineers, landed at Clark International Airport around 4pm.
The seafarers were provided safety net in the form of financial assistance worth P75,000 each from DMW’s AKSYON Fund and OWWA’s Emergency Repatriation Fund. DSWD also gave P10,000 each, while MIAA Medical Team immediately gave health check-ups to the seafarers.
Assistant Secretary De Guzman assured the seafarers that the government through the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., will ensure their reintegration and will provide other forms of assistance.
The ship’s chief officer admitted that they are still in shock after their ordeal, but still grateful for the assistance the Marcos administration has provided.
The seafarers were later given hotel accommodation by OWWA and transportation assistance to ensure their safe return to their families and communities.
About the Author
