The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it is continuously monitoring the security situation in the Black Sea following a series of drone attacks involving commercial vessels. During a press conference on July 20, 2026, the agency reported that nine vessels carrying a total of 139 Filipino seafarers had reportedly been attacked while sailing or while docked at ports in Ukraine and Russia.

According to DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, 124 Filipino seafarers have been confirmed safe. However, the incidents resulted in two fatalities, 12 injuries, and one seafarer who remains missing. The affected ships were mostly bulk carriers and oil or product tankers, with many of the reported attacks occurring while the vessels were alongside, at anchor, or shortly after leaving port.

The DMW said it will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with concerned government agencies to strengthen measures that will help protect Filipino seafarers serving on vessels operating in the Black Sea.

The agency is also providing immediate assistance to affected Filipino seafarers, including medical treatment, psychosocial support, evacuation, and repatriation. Four of the injured seafarers have already returned to the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the DMW said efforts are ongoing to bring home the remains of the deceased seafarers, locate the missing crew member, and arrange the safe repatriation of other affected Filipino seafarers as soon as conditions allow.