Four Filipino seafarers remain under investigation in South Korea following a historic drug bust involving the M/V Lunita, while 16 of their crewmates have already been repatriated to the Philippines.

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, in a press briefing on Wednesday, assured that the government is extending full assistance to the seafarers.

“Rest assured that we are providing legal assistance to the four remaining crew members — two of whom have been arrested and two identified as persons of interest,” Cacdac said. “For the 16 who have returned, we continue to provide financial and psychosocial support.”

According to DMW Undersecretary Felicitas Bay, the repatriated seafarers arrived in two batches on May 11 and 12. They were welcomed by a joint DMW-OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) team before being turned over to their licensed manning agency for debriefing.

Bay said the DMW is also helping facilitate documentation and coordinating with the shipowner for financial assistance. “We have retained legal counsel for all four seafarers under investigation,” she added, noting the case involves a violation of South Korea’s Narcotics Control Act.

The M/V Lunita, carrying 20 Filipino crew members, docked at Okgye Port in Gangneung, Gangwon Province on April 1. The following day, the Korea Coast Guard and Seoul Regional Customs Office searched the vessel based on a tip from the U.S. FBI and Homeland Security Investigations.

Authorities discovered over two tons of suspected cocaine concealed in a compartment in the ship’s engine room — the largest drug seizure in South Korean history.

The 16 cleared seafarers are currently undergoing debriefing with the shipowner’s representatives and concerned Philippine agencies.