By Brian Jules Campued
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Tuesday said it will push for the designation of the Strait of Hormuz as a “high-risk area” (HRA) for seafarers following Iran’s recent seizure of a cargo vessel near the waterway.
DMW officer-in-charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in a news release that their recommendation would ensure the safety and well-being of Filipino seafarers as well as other personnel on board ships that traverse the area.
“By spearheading the push for this high-risk area designation, we are taking a proactive stance to encourage stricter enforcement of security measures and provide our seafarers with the necessary safeguards during their passage,” Cacdac added.
He said representations would be made to the International Bargaining Forum (IBF), which brings together the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and the international maritime employers that comprise the Joint Negotiation Group (JNG).
“The DMW is committed to working with various stakeholders in the global maritime industry to achieve this crucial designation of the Strait of Hormuz as an HRA. We believe that only through collective efforts can we ensure the safety of our seafarers,” said Cacdac.
According to the DMW, designating an HRA entails increased vigilance and security patrols by regional authorities, mandatory reporting requirements for vessels transiting the area, and recommendations for alternative routes.
It also assures Filipino seafarers of their “right to refuse” sailing on said areas.
In February, the IBF classified the Gulf of Aden as an HRA and declared the southern portion of the Red Sea and the entire Gulf of Aden as “war-like zones” (WLZs) the following month.
On March 27, the DMW provided guidelines for observing the designation of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden as HRAs and WLZs.
To recall, Iranian authorities boarded Portuguese-flagged container ship MSC Aries and detained its 25 crew members, including four Filipinos, while passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Iran has promised to release the four Filipino crewmen “soon”.
The crew have also contacted their families on Monday night and are being fed and attended to while in custody of Iranian authorities.
“Nakausap na nila ang pamilya nila at pinapangakuan sila na mapapalaya sila sa lalong madaling panahon. Titingnan natin at kinakausap na natin ang mga taga-Iran tungkol dito,” DFA Undersecretary for Migration Eduardo Jose de Vega said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview on Tuesday.
Assistance, including psychological counseling, would also be extended to the seafarers once they return to the Philippines, according to De Vega.
“The licensed manning agency assured us of adequate payment — fulfillment of the contract insofar as salaries and compensations are concerned — to the families,” Cacdac said. – avds
