Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, Arnell A. Ignacio, and Mardomel Celo D. Melicor of the government listen to a Filipino seafarer recounting his time with Iranian naval authorities upon arrival at NAIA Terminal 3. Photo credit: DMW

Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, OWWA Administrator Arnell A. Ignacio, and DFA Assistant Secretary Mardomel Celo D. Melicor spearheaded a warm welcome for one of the Filipino crewmen of the MSC Aries, who arrived this afternoon, Friday, May 10, 2024, after a harrowing month-long ordeal in the custody of Iranian naval authorities.

The crewman's return marks the end of a tense situation that began when the MSC Aries, with a crew of 25, including four Filipinos, was intercepted and detained by Iranian Navy officials on April 13, 2024, while traversing the Strait of Hormuz.

After weeks of diplomatic negotiations and concerted efforts by Philippine authorities, the crewman finally arrived onboard a flight from the Middle East, greeted by a delegation of government officials at the airport.

The incident underscores the challenges faced by seafarers navigating through geopolitically sensitive regions, highlighting the importance of diplomatic interventions and international cooperation in ensuring their safety and well-being.