Department of Migrant Workers Undersecretary Bernard Olalia updates the media on the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City on July 12, 2025. Olalia said the rest of the Filipino crew members of the ill-fated MV Magic Seas are scheduled to return to the Philippines on Saturday. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)
The remaining Filipino crew members of MV Magic Seas, one of the two Philippine-manned vessels targeted by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea this July, returned home on Saturday evening.
According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the final batch of 11 repatriates will land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, completing the homecoming of all 17 Filipino sailors who were aboard the ill-fated vessel.
The MV Magic Seas was traversing the Red Sea on July 6 when it came under attack from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who eventually sank the ship. Fortunately, the crew managed to abandon the vessel before being rescued by the passing container ship Safeen Prism.
DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia announced that each returning seafarer will receive comprehensive assistance from the government. This includes PHP75,000 in financial aid from the DMW’s AKSYON Fund and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s (OWWA) Emergency Repatriation Fund. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is also expected to extend an additional P10,000 in cash support.
Ongoing Search for Missing Filipinos from MV Eternity C
Meanwhile, the fate of 13 Filipino sailors from the MV Eternity C remains unknown. The vessel was struck by a suspected Houthi drone off the coast of Yemen on July 7, carrying 25 crew members — 21 Filipinos, one Russian, two Indians, and one Greek security personnel.
Authorities have confirmed three deaths and six abductions, but details about the identities of the victims and captives have yet to be confirmed.
So far, eight Filipino seafarers from the MV Eternity C have been rescued. However, their return to the Philippines is still being arranged.
“We are still coordinating their repatriation as they need to be transported to a secure port, and we have to process their exit and visa requirements,” Olalia explained.
The Philippine government continues to monitor the situation and remains in close coordination with international partners to ensure the safety and swift return of affected Filipino nationals.