A total of 21 Filipino crew of a cargo vessel arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday morning, March 8, after being trapped in the fighting in Ukraine.
They arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) via Philippine Airlines PR659 at 8:44 a.m. after being assisted by the Philippine Embassy in Budapest and the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Moldova.
Seaman Chief Engineer Samuel Limbaco said they sought the assistance of Philippine authorities after the bombing started near the port where the M/V S-Breeze was docked.
The M/V S-Breeze was docked Ilyichevsk Ship Yard in Port of Odessa since Jan. 27.
He said they were picked up in Ukraine.
"When we left, most people in Ukraine are trying to get out. There was heavy traffic and the trains stations in Ukraine are crowded by locals who want to go to Poland," said Limbaco.