According to the Daily Tribune, as of this week, a total of 4,687 Filipino seafarers continue to operate in high-risk maritime zones, including areas plagued by piracy and armed conflict.
This troubling figure was shared by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) at the CREW Connect Global seafaring conference on Tuesday. Of these, 740 Filipino seafarers have been victims of attacks while navigating the volatile waters of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, regions heavily impacted by the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac highlighted the severity of the situation, noting the government’s efforts to support these vulnerable workers. In addition to providing direct assistance, Cacdac revealed that the DMW has urged shipowners to reroute vessels to safer areas.
However, he acknowledged that stronger safety protocols and clearer guidance are necessary to better protect Filipino seafarers facing direct threats. The risks to these workers have been exacerbated by an escalating pattern of attacks on shipping vessels in these troubled regions
To remind, DMW is taking a strong stance on protecting Filipino seafarers, with plans to sanction ship owners who fail to respect the right of seafarers to refuse sailing in high-risk areas like the Red Sea, including blocking exit clearances for non-compliant vessels.
