By Lane Afable
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reminded licensed manning agencies (LMAs) and shipowners to ensure the safety and security of Filipino seafarers by avoiding “warlike operations areas” and upholding their right to refuse sailing.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac reiterated the call as projectiles hit three vessels in the Persian Gulf, two of which have Filipino crew on board—one with 21 Filipino seafarers and the other with 17. Fortunately, the crew are unharmed, and the ships are now in transit to safer ports.
“We have advised licensed manning agencies and ship owners to take care of our seafarers and to not put them in harm’s way. We are constantly monitoring ships in the Middle East, and have ascertained the safety of 7,313 Filipino seafarers,” Secretary Cacdac said.
Filipino seafarers have the right to refuse sailing in warlike areas, which now include the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman following the declaration by the International Bargaining Forum (IBF).
“In line with the declaration made by international maritime labor authorities, sisiguruhin natin ang paggalang sa right to refuse sailing ng ating mga tripolante. And for our seafarers, please exercise your right if you feel the need to do so, without fear of job loss or charges, ” Secretary Cacdac said.
