By Marita Moaje
MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is assisting an injured Filipino seafarer and checking on 24 others after their oil tanker, ACER, was reportedly attacked by three drones in the Persian Gulf on Oct. 7.
In a news release Tuesday, the DMW said the injured seafarer is being treated at Hamad General Hospital in Doha, Qatar, after being rescued by the Qatar Navy and the Qatar Coast Guard.
A team from the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), led by Labor Attaché Eduard Ferrer, already visited the injured seafarer in the hospital, and provided clothing and other immediate necessities.
The team will continue to monitor his condition and arrange welfare assistance for his recovery and eventual repatriation.
“The DMW, through MWO and OWWA Qatar, remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of Filipino migrant workers and seafarers overseas, particularly those affected by emergencies and maritime security incidents,” the DMW said.
Meanwhile, the MWO also coordinated with the local manning agency to verify the condition of the other 24 Filipino crew members.
The agency reported that they are safe and heading to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where the vessel was expected to anchor.
“The Department will continue to coordinate with relevant authorities and concerned agencies to ensure that affected Filipino seafarers receive the necessary assistance and support,” the DMW said. (PNA)
HOSPITAL VISIT. Labor Attaché Eduard Ferrer and other staff from the Migrant Workers Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration visit an injured Filipino seafarer at Hamad General Hospital in Doha, Qatar on Oct. 9, 2026. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Tuesday (Oct. 13) said the seafarer and 24 others were rescued after their oil tanker, ACER, was reportedly attacked by three drones in the Persian Gulf on Oct. 7.
