(Manila, 1st, Comprehensive News) The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers confirmed on Saturday that as attacks have escalated in the northern Black Sea region of Ukraine, 3 Filipino seafarers have been killed, with another 15 injured and 1 missing.
Hans Leo Cacdac, Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers, stated that the department is cooperating with ship owners and relevant agencies to arrange for the repatriation of the victims' remains to the Philippines as soon as possible.
He said the President has directed the government to provide comprehensive assistance to the families of the deceased. Cacdac himself has also visited the families of the three who died and the missing crew member to convey the President's condolences and pledged that the government will provide full support.
According to data from the Department of Migrant Workers, a total of 17 merchant ships near Ukrainian ports have recently been attacked by drones and missiles, with 236 Filipino seafarers on board.
To date, the incident has resulted in 3 deaths, 15 injuries, and 1 missing person.
Cacdac revealed that 89 Filipino seafarers have already returned to the country, including 9 of the injured, and the evacuation of the remaining crew is still ongoing.
Among them, the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier 'Venturo' had 5 Filipino crew members return to Manila on Friday, with another 13 expected to return home on Saturday.
He said that the other crew members have been evacuated to mainland Ukraine, Romania, Greece, and Turkey. The government is continuing to arrange the subsequent repatriation, and the repatriation of the remains of the three deceased crew members is also being processed.
UN officials recently told the United Nations Security Council that the ongoing war in Ukraine, coupled with systematic attacks on Black Sea ports, has not only caused heavy civilian casualties but has also disrupted maritime trade and posed a threat to global food security.
According to UN data, the recent intensified airstrikes on Ukraine have killed about 170 civilians and injured more than 1,000 people.