The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has raised alarm over the dangers faced by Filipino seafarers passing through conflict zones, following the death of a Filipino crew member aboard the MV Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden.

In an interview on DAILY TRIBUNE’s digital show Usapang OFW on Thursday, ITF Inspector Arvin Peralta said the vessel was navigating a known high-risk area when it came under attack. He emphasized that seafarers have the right to refuse to sail through war zones — a protection often difficult to exercise in practice.

“Sometimes, the route changes mid-voyage. The crew may only find out when they are already at sea,” Peralta explained. “It becomes difficult to exercise the right to refuse when there’s no time to disembark or replace the crew.”

Peralta noted that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has already issued guidelines requiring manning agencies and ship companies to inform both seafarers and the DMW when a vessel will pass through war-risk zones. The policy also mandates companies to conduct risk assessments and brief crews about their rights and entitlements.

However, enforcing these rules remains a challenge.

“The DMW cannot monitor every vessel,” Peralta said. “That’s why we rely on company compliance and cooperation with the ITF to ensure seafarers are protected.”

A former seafarer himself, Peralta described the Gulf of Aden as a “highway” between Asia and Europe — dangerous, yet frequently used because avoiding it could add about ten days to a voyage and drive up operational costs.

Despite the risks, many ships continue to pass through the area, highlighting what Peralta described as a difficult trade-off between safety and economics.

He urged global maritime regulators and governments to strengthen safety coordination and uphold the rights of seafarers, especially those navigating conflict-affected waters.

“Our seafarers only want to work safely and provide for their families,” he said. “They should never have to risk their lives just to deliver cargo.”