Manila: Two Filipino seafarers who sustained injuries after a drone attack on their tanker in the Black Sea have safely returned to the Philippines, where they are now receiving government assistance and ongoing medical care.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) reported that the two Filipinos were crew members of the Liberia-flagged LPG tanker MV Gas Lisbon. The tanker was struck by multiple Russian drones, causing a fire while it was en route to Ukraine.

'Ang Liberia-flagged LPG tanker ay tinamaan at nasunog sa karagatan malapit sa baybayin ng Romania noong Hulyo 20 (The Liberia-flagged LPG tanker was hit and it caught fire at sea near the coast of Romania on July 20),' OWWA stated.

'Dahil sa insidente, dalawang Pilipinong tripulante ang nagtamo ng burn injuries, habang isa nilang kasamahan ang pumanaw noong Hulyo 23 (Due to the incident, two Filipino crew members sustained burn injuries, while one of their colleagues passed away on July 23),' the agency added.

The injured seafarers arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Monday evening aboard Qatar Airways Flight QR932. They were greeted by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Assistant Secretary Maria Regina Angela Galias and representatives from OWWA.

Upon their arrival, the DMW and OWWA provided airport assistance and financial support. OWWA also extended special financial aid as part of the government's immediate response to the incident.

The DMW noted that the seafarers' licensed manning agency, Alpha Pearl of the Orient Maritime Inc., managed their repatriation and ensured they received hospitalization and continued medical care. The agency was instructed to facilitate the necessary physical and psychological examinations, including debriefing sessions, to support their recovery.

In addition, the DMW and OWWA promised to maintain coordination with the family of the deceased Filipino seafarer to extend necessary assistance, including help with the repatriation of his remains and other forms of aid.

Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive, the DMW reminded licensed manning agencies and their accredited principals to strictly adhere to safety precautions and comply with established protocols for vessels carrying Filipino seafarers transiting the Black Sea.