Philippines DMW seeks to designate Red Sea as ‘War Zone’ status

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has supported the decision of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) to designate the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden as “high-risk areas” (HRAs) and “war-like zones” (WLZs). This initiative is reflected in Department Order 01 (Series of 2024) issued on April 2, requiring additional compensation and security measures for Filipino seafarers in these areas. Employers must also allow seafarers to refuse sailing in these zones and consider diverting voyages to avoid them.

The move to declare the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as HRAs and WLZs was prompted by the Houthi attack on MV True Confidence, resulting in the deaths of three seafarers, including two Filipinos and one Vietnamese national. The region has seen an increase in piracy, hijacking, and armed violence against ships, with at least 15 ships damaged by Houthi attacks since late 2023. The crisis began when the Iran-backed Houthi movement launched missiles and drones at Israel on October 19, 2023.

Shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk was one of the first companies to halt vessels bound for the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, in support of the designation as HRAs and WLZs. The safety and lives of Filipino and international seafarers in these waters have been threatened by ongoing incidents, leading to the implementation of guidelines to ensure their protection and security while navigating these high-risk areas.

Source .