The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Thursday that Filipino crew members on two vessels attacked near the Strait of Hormuz are safe. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac reported that three ships were struck by projectiles in the last 48 hours, but only two had Filipino crew members. One vessel had 21 Filipino sailors, while the other had 17. Both ships are now en route to safer ports, whereas the third ship, a Thai vessel, had no Filipino personnel aboard.
The DMW is actively monitoring the situation for Filipino seafarers in the Middle East, as ongoing tensions are impacting key shipping routes in the Persian Gulf. Currently, around 7,313 Filipino seafarers are deployed in the region, all of whom have been reported safe thus far. Cacdac emphasized the importance of safety for these workers and urged shipowners and manning agencies to respect their right to refuse assignments in hazardous areas.
He stated that seafarers who choose not to deploy should receive two months’ salary and free repatriation, in line with international maritime labor regulations. Additionally, the DMW noted that 110 overseas Filipino workers returned to the Philippines in the last two days, with plans for chartered flights for over 300 more who wish to return amid escalating tensions in the region.
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