Two Filipino seafarers killed, 12 injured in drone attacks

Two Filipino seafarers have been killed and 12 others injured in a series of drone attacks on commercial vessels in the northern Black Sea, the Philippine government confirmed on July 20. One additional Filipino crew member remains missing.

The first fatality occurred during an attack on July 6, with the second seafarer killed on July 19. According to Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, a total of nine ships carrying 139 Filipino seafarers have been attacked, primarily by drone strikes, while transiting or berthed at ports in the region. The area, encompassing southern Ukraine and nearby waters, has been designated a high-risk and warlike operations area due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the DMW to provide all necessary assistance to the families of the deceased. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac has been instructed to immediately speak with the affected families and ensure the provision of legal assistance and support. Efforts are also underway for the recovery and repatriation of the victims' remains, as well as the search for the missing crew member. Of the 12 injured, four have...