DMW: Filipino seafarers may refuse to sail in war-like areas

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Tuesday advised Filipino seafarers that they may refuse to sail in high-risk war zones amid the Middle East conflict.

The DMW issued the reminder after a Filipino seafarer was reported missing after the tugboat he was working on was attacked while assisting a distressed vessel near the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement, the agency cited its Advisory No. 11, series of 2026, that designated the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman as “Warlike Operations Areas.”

This was following the decision of the Warlike Operations Area Committee of the International Bargaining Forum.

“Under the advisory, Filipino seafarers have the right to refuse sailing to these high-risk areas, while shipowners are required to implement enhanced security measures and ensure proper benefits and compensation for affected crew members,” the DMW said.

It added that around 6,400 Filipino seafarers on vessels in the region have been monitored and marked safe.

The DMW also continues to keep track of ships carrying Filipino crew near the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier, a Filipino seafarer was reported missing after the tugboat he was on was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz. The rest of the tugboat’s crew are safe.

“Our team, a few days ago, had already visited the family’s home and assured them of our full support during these difficult times while we await the results of the search and rescue at sea,” DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said. — JMA, GMA Integrated News