18 Filipino seafarers have safely returned to the country after staying in the Persian Gulf, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed.

The seafarers arrived via separate commercial flights on April 30 and May 1, 2026, after disembarking from the Liberian-flagged vessel M/V MSC Ishyka, where they had been stationed while operating in the region.

According to the DMW, the crew members "exercised their right to refuse sailing" when the vessel was scheduled to travel to India, a route that would require passing through the Strait of Hormuz—an area considered high-risk due to ongoing security concerns.

The decision was made in line with DMW Advisory No. 09, issued on March 1, 2026, which reiterates the rights of Filipino seafarers to decline deployment or navigation in high-risk areas within the Gulf region.

Upon their arrival in Saudi Arabia prior to repatriation, DMW Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi and Labor Attaché Solaiman Mutia from the Migrant Workers Office in Al Khobar personally met and assisted the seafarers at King Fahd International Airport.

Officials assured them of continued government support throughout the repatriation process.

The crew’s return was facilitated by their manning agency, with additional assistance provided by the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

The seafarers received financial aid and free transportation to help them return to their respective provinces.