The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) paid tribute to Filipino seafarer Able-Bodied Seaman (AB) Pagunsan, whose remains were repatriated from Romania and arrived in the Philippines on August 28. Pagunsan’s remains were flown in on Turkish Airlines Flight TK084 and were received in Manila by representatives from the DMW, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), PANDIMAN Philippines, Inc., and Michaelmar Phils., Inc., which facilitated the repatriation process.
The DMW also acknowledged the Philippine Embassy in Bucharest for its role in coordinating the repatriation with various government agencies and maritime partners. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac paid his respects to Pagunsan at Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina. Tragically, Pagunsan was among the crew of the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier M/V Venturo, which was struck by a drone on July 17, 2026, while navigating the Black Sea near Ukraine. This attack resulted in Pagunsan’s death and injuries to other crew members, necessitating the evacuation of the ship’s personnel.
Following the arrival of his remains, plans were made to transport them to Iloilo before proceeding to his hometown in Antique for burial. The DMW urged licensed manning agencies and their accredited partners to closely monitor the welfare of Filipino seafarers in high-risk maritime zones and adhere to safety protocols. Additionally, Filipino migrant workers in crisis can access support through the DMW AKSYON Fund, available via the DMW Central Office, regional offices, or overseas Migrant Workers Offices.
