The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has extended assistance to families of two Filipino seafarers killed in Strait of Hormuz incident.

The two Filipino seafarers were killed following a security incident involving the Saudi-operated oil tanker SIDR as it transited the Strait of Hormuz on 31 August.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has instructed all relevant DMW offices to provide immediate and appropriate assistance to the affected Filipino crew and their families.

The DMW, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Philippine Embassy and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Oman, together with other concerned government agencies, are closely coordinating with the vessel's principal, the licensed manning agency, and relevant authorities to ensure the earliest possible repatriation of the Filipino crew while providing all necessary medical, welfare, and other assistance.

The agency is likewise working with the relevant parties to facilitate the proper handling and repatriation of the remains of the two Filipino seafarers who lost their lives in the incident.

The DMW is ensuring that the families of the deceased seafarers receive immediate assistance and the benefits, compensation, insurance proceeds, and other benefits due to them under their employment contracts and applicable Philippine and international maritime regulations.

Saudi Arabia's national shipping company, Bahri, confirmed that its vessel SIDR was involved in a security incident at approximately 11:40 p.m. local time on 31 August while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Bahri also confirmed that two Filipino crew members lost their lives in the incident.

The DMW continues to closely monitor the condition and situation of the remaining Filipino crew members and is coordinating with Philippine government posts and relevant authorities in the region to ensure their safe and immediate return to the Philippines.

Cacdac assured the families of affected seafarers that the government will continue to mobilize all available resources to assist them and ensure that no affected Filipino seafarer or family is left without government support.

The DMW also reminded shipowners and licensed manning agencies to ensure the safety of overseas Filipino workers serving as seafarers and to respect their right to refuse voyages through high-risk maritime areas, including the Strait of Hormuz.

Cacdac said shipowners must prioritize the safety of Filipino seafarers and keep them out of harm's way. He emphasized that shipowners must respect seafarers' decisions not to sail through areas where their safety may be at risk.

"We continue to remind shipowners to be mindful of the safety of our seafarers on board and to keep them out of harm's way," Cacdac said.

"We are disallowing deployment to the extent that a seafarer exercises the right to refuse to sail. That right must be respected," the DMW chief said.

The DMW also reminded shipowners to comply with all requirements before undertaking voyages through areas affected by conflict or heightened security risks. These requirements include conducting risk assessments, implementing appropriate security measures, considering vessel escorts where necessary, and complying with reporting requirements.

Cacdac also said that the DMW will review whether these safeguards were properly observed as part of its investigation into the recent maritime incident involving the M/V SIDR.

He stressed that Filipino seafarers must be given an informed choice before undertaking voyages through dangerous waters.