Filipino seafarers were urged to exercise their right to refuse sailing in ‘high-risk, war-like’ areas, particularly traversing the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in light of the latest attacks of Houthi rebels in the said danger zone.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac in a press briefing on Tuesday 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.

“This is merely a reiteration for our Filipino seafarers of their right to refuse sailing through high-risks zones, which is a well-entrenched maritime tradition. As issued by the DMW and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the risks of traversing these areas must be well-explained to the seafarers for their safety and security,” said Secretary Cacdac as he emphasized key provisions of the Department Order No. 1, Series of 2024.

Recently, Houthi rebels reportedly attacked in the Red Sea affecting two ships, the MV Eternity C and MV Magic Seas with Filipino seafarers onboard.

MV Magic Seas was attacked on July 6 with 17 Filipino crew onboard whom all were safe and accounted for, and will be repatriated back home.

On the other hand, the DMW is still in closer coordination with the principal and licensed manning agency (LMA) of the 21 Filipino crew members of MV Eternity C which was also attacked on July 8.

To formalize request to refuse sailing, Filipino seafarers may submit their “Confirmation of Refusal to Traverse the Red Sea, or Gulf of Aden, and/or to Other War-Like and High-Risk Zone” to their LMAs and report the same to the DMW Seabased Accreditation Bureau.

The confirmation form shall be submitted via email to sbhighrisk@dmw.gov.ph or they may call the DMW hotline 1348 for immediate assistance.