Manila Philippines — The deployment of Filipino seafarers onboard passenger and cruise ships set to sail through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden is now prohibited by the Migrant Workers Department.
Following the recent abduction of the Filipino seafarers on board of cargo vessels seized by the Houthis and Iranian Military in Red Sea.
The DMW has made a collective discussion with the last month’s meeting with the Philippine Maritime Industry Tripartite Council were both have agreed to underscore the urgent needs for stricter protocols to the ensure the safety of Filipino Seafarers navigating the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Under the DMW Department Order no 2, the Licensed Manning Agencies must sign an affirmation letter guaranteeing the vessels will not navigate on the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
“The seafarers to be assigned to passenger/cruise ships are likewise required to affix their signatures to indicate their concurrence to the said affirmation letter, confirming knowledge that the vessel they will be boarding will not traverse the aforementioned WOAs (War-like Operations Areas),” the department order read.
This is part of the agency’s efforts on its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of the Filipino Seafarers.
Two Filipino seafarers were killed during the attack of Houthis group in the Gulf of Aden, while 17 remains as hostages while sailing the Red Sea.