Manila: Three Ilonggo seafarers whose vessel was hit during a drone attack in Ukraine are seeking government help for repatriation. According to Philippines News Agency, Iloilo Public Employment Service Office head Cynthia Dario stated in an interview that relatives of the sea-based overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) coordinated with her office on Monday.

Two of the seafarers hail from the towns of Miagao and Dingle in Iloilo province, while the third is from Iloilo City. "We are coordinating closely with DMW [Department of Migrant Workers] and OWWA [Overseas Workers Welfare Administration] to help these three to get repatriated at the fastest time possible. We are waiting for updates from these agencies," Dario explained.

The seafarers were aboard the M/V Inase, which was struck during a drone attack while in transit in Odessa, Ukraine, on July 18. They are currently in Romania, where their relatives claim they feel unsafe. The seafarer from Miagao sustained an injury after their cabin was hit by a drone, while the one from Iloilo City remains unharmed. The OFW from Dingle reportedly suffered trauma from the incident.

Dario further noted, "That's why they wanted to come home despite offers like incentives or promotion." The families of the seafarers met with Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, who conveyed Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.'s directive to provide assistance.