Manila, Aug. 1 -- The number of Filipino seafarers killed in the escalation of attacks in the Northern Black Sea has climbed to three, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Saturday.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the DMW is currently working with the ship owner and relevant agencies to facilitate their immediate repatriation to the Philippines.

"I have personally, per instructions of the President, visited all of the families of the three deceased, including the one missing. And I've assured them, have conveyed the President's sympathies and directive of fullest support and assistance," Cacdac said in a news release.

Based on the DMW data, at least 17 commercial vessels manned by 236 Filipinos seafarers were hit by recent ...