Manila, Philippines – A group of seafarers staged a protest at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) office on Wednesday.
This was to voice their grievances regarding the increasing number of Filipino seafarers being deported by the United States government.
This year, the US has deported 130 Filipino seafarers, along with cancellations of their visas without explanations.
Foreign Affairs Department Assistant Secretary Ezzedin Tago of the Office of Migration Affairs personally interacted with the Filipino seafarers who have already raised their concerns to the International Seafarers Action Center.
The DFA assured that assistance will be provided to the group of Filipino seafarers deported by the United States.
The DFA said it will continue to coordinate with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Philippine Embassy in Washington to confirm the reports.
At the same time, it is ensuring that appropriate assistance is provided to those affected by the deportations.
The Philippine Embassy has previously requested a statement from United States authorities regarding the deportation of Filipinos, but there is still no clarification regarding the deportation of Filipino seamen.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News