Veteran Ship Captain Opposes New Market Exploration for Filipino Seafarers Amidst Safety Concerns

A veteran ship captain and maritime executive strongly criticized the suggestions put forth by House Committee on Civil Service and Professional Regulation chairman Kristine Alexie Tutor regarding the need for manning agencies and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to explore new markets for seafarers amidst “pirate” attacks and declining remittances. Tutor emphasized that Filipino seafarers are willing to face dangerous situations in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz rather than risk losing their well-paying jobs on foreign vessels.

In response, Edgardo Flores, a seasoned ship captain and consultant, disagreed with Tutor’s proposal for seeking new markets and instead advocated for creating alternative job opportunities within the Philippines for displaced seafarers. He stressed the importance of having a comprehensive understanding of the maritime and shipping industry before making such decisions.

Furthermore, Flores highlighted on social media that the incidents in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz are not acts of piracy but rather militant attacks, as designated by the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and the International Bargaining Forum (IBF). He emphasized the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing the challenges faced by Filipino seafarers, beyond just focusing on remittances and exploring new markets.

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