19 OFWs return to PH from China

Sixteen Filipino seafarers and three land-based OFWs have returned to the Philippines from China on Tuesday.

Of the 16 seafarers, 11 were from the vessel Ocean Star 86, who had been stranded in Dongshan, China since March.

The remaining five seafarers were from the M/V Maria P. and had been stranded in Ningde, China since July.

Both vessels were affected by China's "no disembarkation" policy implemented due to the pandemic and the lack of commercial flights.

The seafarers traveled by land for 1.5 to 4.5 hours to reach Xiamen before their special flight back to the Philippines.

The DFA welcomed them home, reiterating the government's commitment to prioritize the welfare and safety of OFWs, whether on land or at sea.