By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In a press briefing on Tuesday, July 8, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac called on shipowners and licensed manning agencies (LMAs) to reroute their vessels away from high-risk areas, particularly traversing the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Secretary Cacdac emphasized, reiterating the key provisions of the Department Order No. 1, s. 2024, “We asked shipowners carrying Filipino seafarers to please divert your voyages. It is not enough to just say, ‘We are taking the necessary safety precautions.’ The best way to spare our seafarers is to avoid the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.”
In addition, the Migrant Workers chief urged shipowners and manning agencies to report the scheduled passage of ships and those Philippine seafarers on board in our welfare monitoring system, including information on deployment or knowledge of any scheduled passage to the conflict-afflicted waterways linking Asia with Europe.
He warned, “Failure to report such a significant event will result in the imposition of sanctions under the DMW rules and regulations upon the manning agent and the principal. The Department will not hesitate to take firm and lawful action against those who compromise the safety of our seafarers. We owe them protection, not promises.”
Secretary Cacdac cited such a response to the recent attacks by Houthi rebels on the Red Sea that have affected two vessels, the M/V Eternity C and M/V Magic Seas, with Filipino seafarers onboard.
MV Magic Seas was attacked on July 6 with 17 Filipino crew onboard, all of whom were safe and accounted for, and will be repatriated back home.
As of press time, the DMW is still in close coordination with the principal and licensed manning agency (LMA) of the 21 Filipino crew members of MV Eternity C, which was also attacked on Tuesday, July 8.
Meanwhile, the Migrant Workers czar reminded Filipino seafarers of their rights to refuse sailing and to be informed of their assigned routes and the potential dangers involved in their voyage.
He cited such a well-entrenched maritime tradition revolving around the safety and welfare of the Filipino crew, especially when traversing high-risk zones.
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