Authorities may consider implementing stricter measures for Filipino seafarers passing through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden if vessel attacks intensify.
In a statement, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac said the agency will continue enforcing the current policy, which has been in place for the past two years. Under the policy, Filipino seafarers are prohibited from boarding vessels that have previously come under attack.
However, he emphasized that should attacks escalate, harsher measures may be introduced.
“That’s a relevant point [attack intensity] also for us at this stage because we want to know the intensity of the attack,” Cacdac said. “Once we get the signal that the attacks have been intensified and that the Houthis will not relent, we will have to consider more harsher measures which could mean an absolute prohibition.”
This follows the recent attack on Greek-flagged bulk carrier MV Eternity C, which had 21 Filipino crew members on board. Cacdac described the incident as involving “simultaneous and targeted” attacks.
Meanwhile, the DMW reiterated its call to shipowners carrying Filipino seafarers to divert voyages away from high-risk areas, in line with Department Order No. 1.
Shipowners are also required to report any scheduled passage of ships through the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden in the DMW’s OFW Welfare Monitoring Electronic System.
“We also want to uphold continually the seafarers' right to refuse sailing,” Cacdac added.
According to him, manning agencies must ensure that seafarers are fully informed about high-risk and war-like zones before deployment. This includes notifying them of scheduled passages, enabling informed decisions, and ensuring immediate and safe repatriation of those who choose not to sail.
He added that seafarers must be allowed to exercise their right to refuse without prejudice to their current or future employment, and that any such refusal must be formally acknowledged by their employers.