The 21 Filipino crew members of the MV Tutor arrived safely in the Philippines around noon on Monday. Their journey back home began in Bahrain, where they were ferried by a rescue United States Navy Ship on Sunday. Accompanying the sailors was Labor Attache Hector Cruz from the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Al Khobar.
Unfortunately, one Filipino crew member remains missing.
Before their departure on Gulf Air flight GF154, the crew received a briefing and financial assistance amounting to 192 Bahraini dinars (about PHP30,000) from Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain Anne Jalando-on Louis, MWO – Bahrain Officer-in-Charge Celia Cabadonga, and welfare officer Dr. Amelito Adel Cruz.
Upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City, the crew was welcomed by Secretaries Hans Cacdac of Migrant Workers and Ted Herbosa of Health, along with Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, who also chairs the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs.
The seafarers will receive PHP230,000 in immediate financial assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the House of Representatives Office of the Speaker, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The ordeal began when Houthi rebels launched an attack on the Liberia-flagged vessel on June 12 near the Yemeni port of Hodeidah. The attack involved drones and missiles, resulting in severe flooding and damage to the engine room.
In the wake of the incident, DMW officials escorted the family of the missing seafarer to the manning agency’s office. At the Saturday News Forum on June 15, Cacdac mentioned, “I met the ship owner’s agent there, and we were assured that we will not stop locating our missing seafarer who is just within the ship.” The search for the missing crew member continues with dedicated efforts from all involved parties.
