The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is urging shipowners and manning agencies to reroute vessels away from the high-risk Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to ensure the safety of Filipino seafarers. This directive comes from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and is a response to recent attacks in the region.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac stressed that simply taking safety precautions isn’t enough; avoiding these areas altogether is the best way to protect seafarers. He also mandated that shipowners and manning agencies report any scheduled passages through these high-risk zones and provide information on Filipino seafarers on board to the DMW’s welfare monitoring system. Failure to report will result in sanctions.

The DMW is actively monitoring the situation, coordinating with other agencies, and providing direct assistance and updates to the families of affected seafarers, emphasizing a “people-first approach” as directed by President Marcos.

You can read the full text of DMW statement below.

𝗗𝗠𝗪 𝗿𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 ‘𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸, 𝘄𝗮𝗿-𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲’ 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀
In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure the safety and security of Filipino seafarers, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reiterates its call for shipowners and licensed manning agencies (LMAs) to reroute their vessels away from high-risk areas, particularly traversing the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

In response to recent attacks in the Red Sea, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac reiterated key provisions of the Department Order No. 1, Series of 2024, ensuring protection of Filipino seafarers amid the increasing incidence of hijacking or armed violence against ships passing through the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and surrounding areas.

“We asked shipowners carrying Filipino seafarers to please divert your voyagers. 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,” Secretary Cacdac emphasized.

In addition, he 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 Red Sea or Gulf of Aden, emphasizing that “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,” Cacdac stressed.

The DMW is closely monitoring developments in the region and working in tandem with concerned agencies to coordinate support for seafarers and their families. The DMW already reached out to affected families via phone calls and zoom meeting to ensure that necessary assistance and updates are delivered directly.

“President Marcos has directed us to take a people-first approach—to make sure every Filipino seafarer is accounted for and that their families are given the attention and care they deserve,” Secretary Cacdac ended. ###