MANILA β MalacaΓ±ang announced Thursday that 1,161 Filipino seafarers have safely left the Persian Gulf as tensions persist in the Middle East.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the development follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.βs directive to ensure the safety of overseas Filipino workers.
The seafarers were deployed across 22 vessels, including five crew ships, which departed the Persian Gulf between the first week of April and April 18.
The Department of Migrant Workers, led by Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, continues to monitor Filipinos still in the region.
Authorities said 412 seafarers remain in the Persian Gulf but are safe, in stable condition, and adequately supplied by their employers.
The government is also working with foreign partners, including Saudi officials, to further safeguard Filipino workers.
So far, 7,144 Filipinos have been repatriated from the Middle East amid the ongoing crisis.
In addition, 16 OFWs have returned from Riyadh and Jeddah, while assistance such as transport and temporary shelter is being extended to at least 30 domestic workers.
The administration also reiterated its drive against fraudulent schemes targeting OFWs.
The Bureau of Customs said it has stepped up enforcement against problematic freight forwarders, including Makati Express Cargo, which is now facing strengthened legal action.
A large-scale estafa case has also been filed before the National Bureau of Investigation.
ia/xf
