Seven Filipino seafarers who survived a fire on their ship off Venezuela last Christmas Day arrived home Wednesday morning. Secretary Alberto Romulo of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) led Philippine officials in welcoming the seven seafarers who served aboard the MV Aegean Wind. The seven arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on a flight from Caracas, Venezuela. They were Franklin Ebrado, Jomarie Alcantara, Jason Alfante, Ronie Sarian, Tabigue Ubaldo, Robeytho Galam and Christopher Agra. They were received by a contingent from the DFA and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Representatives from the manning agency Seapower Shipping Enterprises Inc., ship owner Atlantic Bulk Carriers, and ship insurer Protection and Indemnity Club were also present at the airport, the DFA said in a release posted on its website Wednesday. Romulo received assurances from the MV Aegean Wind's owner and insurers that the seafarers will get the benefits due them, the DFA said.
