Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Party-List Representative, Marissa Magsino backed the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) plan to prohibit all Filipino seafarers from boarding ships in high-risk zones on Thursday.
The plan was first proposed by the DMW as a way to ensure the safety of all Filipino seafarers navigating the Red Sea and Gulf of Eden following the previous attacks from Yemen’s Houthis.
“We should study this as an option, together with the maritime industry stakeholders. If this will make the ship owners doubly cautious and more mindful of the safety of their crew, then we will support a temporary ban," the Magsino said.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated that the department is currently studying a policy prohibiting vessels from sailing the hot-zones classified by the International Bargaining Forum (IBF). A careful study of the current situation is to be determined by the other departments as it concerns the possible redirection of commerce.
Barred from the Red Sea
Back in April, licensed manning agencies were required by the DMW to submit a written guarantee that passenger or cruise vessels with Filipino crew members will not pass through the designated war-like zones; To which the order was issued under the Department Order No. 2. Consequently, Filipino seafarers were also urged to exercise their right to refuse sailing on the Red Sea.
“We had directed the ships carrying Filipino seafarers to divert. Ngayon, mayroong right to refuse sailing. ‘Yan ang declaration din in partnership with the International Bargaining Forum that should be honored (We had directed the ships carrying Filipino seafarers to divert. Now, they have the right to refuse sailing. That’s also the declaration in partnership with the International Bargaining Forum that should be honored),” Cacdac stated.
He also gave his assurance that those who assert their refusal to sail would not be discriminated against and would be assigned to other vessels sailing through safer routes. Sanctions would be imposed on shipping companies and agencies who refuse to follow protocol.
Yemen Houthi Rebel Attacks
Back in November of last year, the rebel groups targeted the Galaxy Leader car carrier, with 17 Filipino crew members onboard. It was the first and only vessel they captured since the beginning of their attacks in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The manager of the detained ship renewed his plea to release the 25 multinational crew members who have now been detained for 200 days in Yemen.
Earlier this year, the True Confidence Vessel was also targeted by the group, to which two Filipino seafarers were killed.
While on Wednesday, the same group attacked the MV Tutor with 22 Filipino crew members aboard. 21 out of the 22 Filipinos were rescued, while one remains missing. The bulk carrier eventually sunk after the missile attack.
Safety for the Filipino Seafarers
Magsino highlighted on the enactment of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers which seeks to protect their rights and interests, during and after employment, especially in cases of maritime accidents, epidemics or pandemics, and/or other natural or man-made crises.
The bill is still under further review and awaiting the President’s approval since the delay of its signing back in February this year.
