Three Filipinos killed in Black Sea attacks

MANILA – The number of Filipino seafarers killed in the escalation of attacks in the Northern Black Sea has climbed to three, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Saturday.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the DMW is currently working with the ship owner and relevant agencies to facilitate their immediate repatriation to the Philippines.

“I have personally, per instructions of the President, visited all of the families of the three deceased, including the one missing. And I've assured them, have conveyed the President's sympathies and directive of fullest support and assistance,” Cacdac said in a news release.

Based on the DMW data, at least 17 commercial vessels manned by 236 Filipinos seafarers were hit by recent drone and missile strikes near Ukrainian ports.

Of the number, three were killed, 15 were injured, while one is still missing.

Cacdac said a total of 89 Filipinos, including nine of the injured, have since returned home, while repatriation efforts are still ongoing.

Five aboard the Antigua-flagged bulk carrier M/V Venturo arrived in Manila on Friday while 13 others are expected to come home Saturday.

“The rest are distributed across Ukraine, so na-ibaba na sila, some ay na-ibaba na sa Ukrainian mainland, Romania, Greece, and Turkey (The rest are distributed across Ukraine, some have been dropped off in mainland Ukraine, Romania, Greece, and Turkey),” he said.

“Ngayon, ‘yung tatlo nasawi, sinasaayos na po ang kanilang pag-uwi (For the three deceased, arrangements are being made for their return home),” he added.

United Nations (UN) officials last week warned the Security Council that intensified hostilities in Ukraine and systematic attacks on Black Sea ports are exacting a heavy civilian toll, disrupting maritime trade and threatening global food security.

The UN earlier said some 170 civilians have reportedly been killed and more than 1,000 injured across Ukraine in intensified aerial attacks. (PNA)