MANILA, Philippines — Two Filipino seafarers were killed while 12 were injured in drone attacks on vessels navigating the northern Black Sea, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced yesterday.

“We have monitored significant escalation of security incidents for the last two weeks affecting commercial vessels with Filipino seafarers operating within the Black Sea,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said at a press briefing.

The Black Sea is an enclosed body of water with Ukraine situated at its northern part. It is an area covered by the International Bargaining Forum as a high-risk and war-like area.

According to the DMW, as of July 20, nine ships carrying 139 Filipino seafarers have been attacked, primarily through drone strikes, while transiting at ports in Ukraine and Russia.

The DMW said they are now in communication with the families of the two fatalities.

“We have identified one of the two deceased seafarers and we have reached out to the family, arranging for his repatriation and providing assistance as well. As to the second seafarer killed, it just happened yesterday so we are still in the process of reaching out to his family and we will also be providing them assistance,” Cacdac said.

Meanwhile, four of the 12 injured seafarers were repatriated while eight are still undergoing medical treatment.

“Medical treatment, psychological support, evacuation and repatriation arrangements are being facilitated for the injured crew members and those requiring immediate assistance,” said Cacdac.

The official said the DMW as well as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration have been monitoring and coordinating with the licensed manning agencies and principal ship owners to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipino seafarers.

The DMW also reiterated its previous advisories on safety and security matters where there is a high-risk or war-like situation for Filipino seafarers.

“Avoid or divert voyages in high-risk or war-like areas,” Cacdac emphasized. “If there is such exercise of the right to refuse sailing, there will be proper compensation to the seafarer as well as free repatriation and no discrimination for future employment for the seafarer exercising his right to refuse sailing.”