Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Harlene Delgado

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA - A total of 1,161 Filipino seafarers safely departed the Persian Gulf after getting caught in the crossfire amid the conflict in the Middle East, according to Malacañang. </p><p>Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac reported to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr that the seafarers began their safe exit from first week of April to April 18 aboard 22 vessels and five cruise ships.</p><p>Cacdac said the 412 seafarers who are still in Persian Gulf are safe and with enough supply of necessities based on the report of their employer Zamil Offshore, according to Castro. </p><div> <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2026/3/8/dmw-seafarers-can-refuse-to-sail-in-warlike-operations-areas-in-middle-east-0831"><strong>DMW: Seafarers can refuse to sail in ‘warlike operations areas’ in Middle East</strong></a></div><p> “Nakipagpulong din ang kalihim at si Philippine Ambassador Raymond Balatbat kay Saudi Arabian Labor Minister Ahmad bin Sulaiman AlRajhi upang magpahatid ng pakikiisa at pasasalamat sa pagbibigay ng proteksiyon sa mga OFWs at kanilang pamilya,” she added, noting that areas of mutual interest and mutual protection of overseas Filipinos workers were discussed.</p><p> Currently, 7,144 Filipinos have been repatriated from the Middle East to the Philippines. </p><p> “Nananatiling prayoridad ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. ang kaligtasan at seguridad ng mga OFWs sa ibayong dagat sa kabila ng tensiyon doon,” Castro stated. </p><div> </div><div><strong>RAPS FILED</strong></div><p> Castro also reported that the Bureau of Customs vowed to intensify its support to OFWs who have been victimized by freight forwarders with undelivered packages and balikbayan boxes.</p><div> <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/2/dfa-iran-to-allow-safe-passage-of-ph-flagged-ships-seafarers-through-strait-of-hormuz-1726"><strong>DFA: Iran to allow safe passage of PH-flagged ships, seafarers through Strait of Hormuz </strong></a></div><p> The Palace official said the National Bureau of Investigation Fraud and Financial Crimes Division has filed a large-scale estafa case against freight forwarder Makati Express Cargo.</p><p> “Pinatibay pa ng ahensiya ang mga kasong kriminal na naunang isinampa laban sa Makati Express Cargo matapos magsumite ng dagdag reklamo ang mga apektadong OFWs,” Castro said. </p><p> “Sa mga ganitong sitwasyon, ipagbigay-alam lamang at agad itong aaksyunan ng pamahalaan ang inyong mga reklamo,” she added.</p>

<p>A total of 1,161 Filipino seafarers safely departed the Persian Gulf after getting caught in the crossfire amid the conflict in the Middle East, according to Malacañang. </p>

A total of 1,161 Filipino seafarers safely departed the Persian Gulf after getting caught in the crossfire amid the conflict in the Middle East, according to Malacañang.

1,161 Filipino seafarers exited Persian Gulf amid Middle East conflict – Palace

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1,161 Filipino seafarers exited Persian Gulf amid Middle East conflict – Palace

Harlene Delgado,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 23, 2026 07:10 PM PHT

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