Around 1,300 Filipino seafarers have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz while 14 others are still attempting to pass through the strategic waterway amid the ongoing ceasefire in the Middle East crisis, the DMW said.
The Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted despite the ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The vital maritime route, which handles global shipments of oil and liquefied natural gas, has seen restricted traffic, contributing to rising global oil prices.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the agency is closely monitoring Filipino crews transiting the area, noting that about 1,300 have already passed safely while a small group is still awaiting safe passage.
“Meron tayong inaantabayan na at least labing-apat na makakatawid na. Hopefully, makatawid sila,” Cacdac said during the reception of repatriated workers in Pasay City.
He added that around 3,300 Filipino seafarers remain in the Persian Gulf but are continuing their duties onboard and are not stranded. According to him, coordination with manning agencies and shipowners ensures continuous supplies, salaries, and welfare support.
“Patuloy ang trabaho nila on board… patuloy ang kanilang sweldo at allotments sa kanilang pamilya,” he said.
Cacdac also confirmed that replacement crews are being arranged for seafarers who finish contracts or require relief due to fatigue or health concerns.
Meanwhile, the Philippine government has repatriated about 8,600 overseas Filipinos from the Middle East since tensions escalated following the US-Israel strikes on Iran.
On Saturday alone, 165 overseas Filipino workers returned from Kuwait and received assistance at the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) repatriation center in Pasay City.
OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan said around 2,000 Filipinos, mostly from Kuwait, have signaled intent to return home and are awaiting repatriation.
The DMW said improving flight availability is expected to speed up further evacuations, while assuring continued coordination with the Department of Budget and Management and Congress to sustain funding for OFW assistance, including the heavily utilized ₱2 billion AKSYON Fund.
