The Philippines has repatriated 837 Filipino seafarers affected by maritime security incidents in the Northern Black Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, while the government has signed a cooperation pact with AMOSUP and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) to support seafarers and their families.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said 1,189 Filipino seafarers aboard vessels in the two areas had been affected by incidents since the start of the year. He announced the figures on 11 November at the launch of an Overseas Filipino Workers transit lounge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) continues to assist seafarers still abroad, Philstar reported.

The DMW, AMOSUP and the ITF signed the memorandum of understanding on 11 November. It provides for information sharing, coordinated case handling and assistance with cases involving piracy, high-risk areas and abandonment. The agreement also covers welfare and family support, training, research and consultations on seafarers’ rights, safety and mental health, according to the ITF’s announcement.

The figures were announced after the 5 November attack on the tanker Velos Sapphire in the Persian Gulf, in which one Filipino seafarer was killed. The vessel had 22 Filipino crew members aboard, and the 21 survivors were reported safe. Cacdac said the deceased seafarer’s remains were expected to be repatriated soon, Philstar reported.