Manila, Philippines — Thirty-two Filipino seafarers have been rescued and repatriated to the Philippines after reportedly enduring months of mistreatment, contract violations, and delayed wages while working for a local shipping company in Fiji, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed.

According to the department, the seafarers were victims of contract substitution and wage reduction, with their promised ₱60,000 per month salaries cut to ₱20,000. The crew reportedly faced long delays in payment and various forms of maltreatment during their employment.

The DMW said the rescue and repatriation were carried out in cooperation with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Fiji-based authorities, ensuring the safe return of all affected workers.