Ten Filipino crew members of the MT Aqua 1 have safely returned to the Philippines after their vessel was hit by a missile near Qatar earlier this month.
The seafarers arrived on April 17 at NAIA Terminal 1 aboard a Malaysia Airlines flight and were assisted by the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
They were provided with financial assistance and support services, including access to training, livelihood programs, and re-employment opportunities.
The return was made possible through coordination between the Department of Migrant Workers, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the shipowner and manning agency.
The MT Aqua 1 was reportedly struck by a cruise missile on April 1 while sailing about 17 nautical miles north of Ras Laffan Industrial Hub in Qatar, causing a fire that was quickly contained by the crew.
Despite the incident, all 21 Filipino crew members on board were unharmed.
Authorities said assistance will continue as the government supports the safe return and reintegration of affected Filipino seafarers.
