(Photo courtesy of DMW)
Around 1,500 Filipino seafarers have exercised their right to refuse sailing to high-risk areas over the past three years amid persistent security threats at sea, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Tuesday.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the government continues to uphold the right of Filipino seafarers to decline deployment to areas where their safety may be at risk, particularly in parts of the Middle East and the Black Sea affected by conflict and attacks on commercial vessels.
Speaking at the opening of the two-day Philippine Maritime Convention at The Manila Hotel, Cacdac said about 500 seafarers had exercised the right this year alone.
“As it stands, in the last three years, around 1,500 Filipino seafarers have exercised their right to refuse sailing. Some of them, in fact, Filipino captains have stood firm for the protection of their seafarers,” he said.
Cacdac said seafarers who refuse to sail to designated high-risk areas are entitled to repatriation and two months’ compensation. Ships returning to such areas must also undergo security assessments and put appropriate safety measures in place.
He said the government is also working to ensure that seafarers who exercise the right to refuse sailing are not discriminated against when seeking future deployment.
The DMW has issued advisories urging Filipino seafarers to avoid the Strait of Hormuz amid the volatile security situation in the area.
Cacdac said the agency is also investigating reports involving Filipino crew members aboard vessels that may have entered restricted areas.
“We’re investigating the current round of attacks and will impose the necessary measures if we find that there are violations of the UN rules,” he said.
Cacdac stressed that any attack on a vessel poses a threat to seafarers, regardless of the scale or nature of the incident.
He also called for stronger maritime systems to improve the protection and welfare of Filipino seafarers.
“Our aspiration is clear: To strengthen a Philippine maritime system where the seafarer is protected, competent, respected, and prepared for the future,” Cacdac said.
He said implementation of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers must be supported by effective regulation, ethical recruitment, quality education and training, labor justice, responsive government services and stronger international cooperation.
The Philippine Maritime Convention 2026, organized by the DMW with the Maritime Industry Authority, Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines and Joint Manning Group, aims to translate maritime policy discussions into concrete commitments for the protection and welfare of Filipino seafarers.
