The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has assured Filipino seafarers affected by the cancellation of their U.S. visas that it is coordinating with concerned agencies to look into the matter.

In a dialogue on Wednesday with a group representing the affected seafarers, they said they were taken in by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) without being informed of any charges.

They recalled being questioned, fingerprinted, and photographed before being told that their visas would be canceled and that they would be barred from entering the United States for 10 years.

CBP officers also accused one seafarer of being linked to child pornography. The seafarers said CBP did not inform the Philippine Embassy.

DFA Assistant Secretary Ezzedin Tago said the agency is coordinating with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. to verify the incidents and determine possible remedies.

The Embassy said in October that it had raised the issue with the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security regarding the denial of entry of Filipino seafarers at U.S. ports. The two departments, however, said these actions were carried out “in accordance with existing U.S. laws, regulations, and policies.”

For his part, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac on Wednesday said the actions were “pursuant to the immigration authority [of the U.S.],” but emphasized that the DMW remains in continuous coordination with the DFA to help affected workers.

Cacdac added that the DMW has extended financial and reemployment assistance, with some affected seafarers reportedly hired in local hospitality establishments.