Pinoy crew of oil tanker attacked by Houthis in Red Sea now back in PH

Twenty-two Filipino seafarers who were part of the crew of MT Sounion which was recently attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea were safely repatriated back into the country.

The seafarers were on three separate flights that arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport starting on Saturday, according to a report by Mao dela Cruz on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday.

22 Filipino seafarers na sakay ng MT Sounion na inatake ng Houthi rebels sa Red Sea, nakauwi na ng Pilipinas — @DMWPHL | via Mao dela Cruz pic.twitter.com/IJSiJceR0L

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) August 31, 2024

They were welcomed by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and representatives of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The seafarers were given financial assistance from the DMW AKSYON Fund and additional cash aid from DSWD and OWWA.

Food and transportation assistance were also given as well as hotel accommodation as needed.

They also underwent medical assessment and psycho-social counseling.

The Greek-owned oil tanker MT Sounion was attacked by Houthi rebels last August 21. It caught fire and experienced engine power cut after the attack. The vessel was carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil at the time of the attack, Reuters reported.

The crew were rescued by a European naval mission.

On Saturday afternoon, Cacdac met the first 16 Filipino seafarers when they arrived at NAIA Terminal 3, according to a report by Luisito Santos on Super Radyo dzBB.

16 Pinoy crew ng oil tanker na inatake ng Houthi rebels sa Red Sea, nakauwi na sa bansa. | via @luisitosantos03 pic.twitter.com/pq0RJAtJ5v

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) August 31, 2024

Cacdac assured the seafarers of the government's support and assistance for them.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier urged Filipino seafarers to use their "right to refuse sailing" for their safety, considering the escalation of conflict in the Red Sea.

“This situation has worsened due in part to the conflict escalation in the Red Sea that poses a clear and present danger to all Filipino seafarers working in the area,” the DFA said in an advisory.

“The DFA therefore urges Filipino seafarers to exercise prudent choice and their 'right to refuse sailing' in the Red Sea,” it added.

Aside from seafarers, the DFA also advised all Philippine nationals to avoid the Red Sea altogether "unless absolutely necessary for their livelihood."

The Houthi rebels earlier said the attacks on ships show their solidarity with Palestinians in the war between Israel and Hamas. —KG, GMA Integrated News