By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – A total of 1,161 Filipino seafarers have safely exited the Persian Gulf amid tensions in the Middle East, Malacañang said Thursday.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the development was in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure the safety of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Castro said the seafarers were deployed across 22 vessels, including five crew ships, which began leaving the Persian Gulf from the first week of April until April 18.
Citing a report from Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Castro said the government continues to monitor the condition of other Filipino seafarers who remain in the area.
At least 412 seafarers are still in the Persian Gulf but are in good condition, safe, and have sufficient supplies, based on reports from their employer.
The government is also coordinating with foreign counterparts to protect Filipino workers, including recent engagements with Saudi officials.
Data showed that a total of 7,144 Filipinos have so far been repatriated from the Middle East amid the ongoing crisis.
Meanwhile, 16 OFWs have returned from Riyadh and Jeddah, while assistance is being extended to at least 30 domestic workers, including transportation and accommodation support.
Meanwhile, the government also reiterated its commitment to protect OFWs from fraudulent schemes.
The Bureau of Customs said it has intensified action against unscrupulous freight forwarders following complaints from OFWs, including strengthening cases against Makati Express Cargo.
A large-scale estafa case has been filed before the National Bureau of Investigation against the firm. (PNA)
