A seasoned vessel captain has sought the help of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and members of the Legislative Department as Filipino seafarers are currently facing a serious and urgent problem in securing their Seaman’s Book, among other essential documents.

“Following a cyberattack on the MARINA system, the processing of essential documents such as the Seafarers’ Identification Document (SID) and Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB) has been disrupted. These documents are crucial to the employment and deployment of Filipino seafarers,” said Capt. Edgardo Flores, a consultant of a manning agency, in an open letter posted on social media, Facebook, on Monday.

According to Flores, it has now been 11 days, yet thousands of seafarers remain affected.

“Many cannot process the documents required for employment, while some seafarers who are already onboard may be forced to extend their contracts because their replacements cannot complete the necessary processing of SID/SRB in time. This situation may also affect their well-being, especially those assigned in high-risk areas such as the Black Sea and the Persian Gulf as well as seafarers ashore who’s long been standby for next employment,” he stated.

Moreover, he said the seafarers’ community deserves clear and regular updates, as well as immediate solutions.

“Questions also need to be addressed regarding contingency and backup systems for essential government services that directly affect the livelihood of thousands of Filipino families,” he said.

Flores said the situation is now approaching a serious national maritime and employment crisis for Filipino seafarers.

“We respectfully call on President Marcos, the Senate, and Congress to urgently look into this matter and help ensure that MARINA and the concerned government agencies take immediate action,” Flores stressed, adding that Filipino seafarers have long been recognized as modern-day heroes, contributing billions of dollars to the country’s economy and supporting countless Filipino families. Today, they urgently need the government’s help.

“Please help our seafarers before this situation gets worse. Urgent action and clear solutions are needed now,” according to Flores.

The MARINA management confirmed on Monday that there was indeed a cyberattack.

“Nagkaroon ng cyber attack sa SID/SRB system nitong 14 August 2026. MARINA is currently working on its restoration since then. Magre-release po agad kami ng notice once mag-ok na ang system,” MARINA’s Communications team said. (RAFFY AYENG)

A seasoned vessel captain has sought the help of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and members of the Legislative Department as Filipino seafarers are currently facing a serious and urgent problem in securing their Seaman’s Book, among other essential documents.

“Following a cyberattack on the MARINA system, the processing of essential documents such as the Seafarers’ Identification Document (SID) and Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB) has been disrupted. These documents are crucial to the employment and deployment of Filipino seafarers,” said Capt. Edgardo Flores, a consultant of a manning agency, in an open letter posted on social media, Facebook, on Monday.

According to Flores, it has now been 11 days, yet thousands of seafarers remain affected.

“Many cannot process the documents required for employment, while some seafarers who are already onboard may be forced to extend their contracts because their replacements cannot complete the necessary processing of SID/SRB in time. This situation may also affect their well-being, especially those assigned in high-risk areas such as the Black Sea and the Persian Gulf as well as seafarers ashore who’s long been standby for next employment,” he stated.

Moreover, he said the seafarers’ community deserves clear and regular updates, as well as immediate solutions.

“Questions also need to be addressed regarding contingency and backup systems for essential government services that directly affect the livelihood of thousands of Filipino families,” he said.

Flores said the situation is now approaching a serious national maritime and employment crisis for Filipino seafarers.

“We respectfully call on President Marcos, the Senate, and Congress to urgently look into this matter and help ensure that MARINA and the concerned government agencies take immediate action,” Flores stressed, adding that Filipino seafarers have long been recognized as modern-day heroes, contributing billions of dollars to the country’s economy and supporting countless Filipino families. Today, they urgently need the government’s help.

“Please help our seafarers before this situation gets worse. Urgent action and clear solutions are needed now,” according to Flores.

The MARINA management confirmed on Monday that there was indeed a cyberattack.

“Nagkaroon ng cyber attack sa SID/SRB system nitong 14 August 2026. MARINA is currently working on its restoration since then. Magre-release po agad kami ng notice once mag-ok na ang system,” MARINA’s Communications team said.