High-Risk Areas Designated for Seafarers’ Protection in the Red Sea and Bab El-Mandeb

The prayers of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) have been answered as the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) has agreed to designate the Red Sea and the Bab El-Mandeb Strait as “high-risk areas.” This decision was welcomed by DMW Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac, who stated that it will help strengthen protection for Filipino seafarers navigating the route. The designation means additional entitlements and benefits for seafarers, including the right to refuse sailing and basic wage bonuses.

The IBF approved the designation due to a series of drone, missile, and rocket attacks in the area since November. This decision aligns with the previous call of the DMW following attacks on marine vessels with Filipino seafarers on board, such as the hijacking of the cargo vessel Galaxy Leader and the foiled hijacking of the chemical tanker M/V Central Park. These incidents prompted the DMW to push for the expansion of high-risk areas in the Red Sea.

The designation of the Red Sea and the Bab El-Mandeb Strait as high-risk areas will provide increased protection and benefits for Filipino seafarers navigating the route, including the right to refuse sailing and additional compensation for death and disability. This decision comes in response to a series of attacks on marine vessels with Filipino seafarers on board, and aligns with the previous call of the DMW for enhanced protection in the region.

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