Twenty-one Filipino crewmen of the MV Tutor just arrived safely in the Philippines. Photo courtesy of DMW

In a recent press briefing at the White House, officials highlighted the tragic death of a Filipino crew member in a Houthi attack, amidst escalating maritime incidents involving Iranian-backed forces.

The crew member, aboard the MV Tutor, was targeted despite having no involvement in regional conflicts. The vessel, operated by a Greek company under the Liberian flag, had just completed a port call in Russia and was en route to Egypt when attacked.

Following the attack, twenty-one Filipino crew members from the MV Tutor have safely returned to the Philippines. They were warmly welcomed at the airport by government officials, including Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac and Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, along with Tingog Representative Jude Acidre.

Upon their arrival, the crew received immediate financial assistance totaling Php 230,000, aimed at helping them recover from their harrowing experience in the Red Sea-Gulf of Aden. This assistance includes P150,000 from the House of Representatives Office of the Speaker, Php 50,000 from the Department of Migrant Workers, Php 10,000 from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and P20,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Before returning home, each crew member was also provided with 192 Bahraini dinars, equivalent to P30,000, to support their immediate needs after the ordeal.