Several Philippine senators have called on the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to prioritize the safety of Filipino seafarers in high-risk zones following the tragic deaths of two crew members during an attack on a Saudi-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and Senator Raffy Tulfo emphasized the need for enhanced safety protocols and support for those affected by the incident, which occurred on August 31 when the M/V SIDR was struck by unidentified projectiles.
Fourteen other Filipino crew members aboard the tanker survived the attack unharmed. Gatchalian expressed his condolences and urged the DMW to ensure that the families of the deceased receive immediate assistance, highlighting the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as a critical factor affecting the safety of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the region. He stressed that strict enforcement of safety measures in high-risk areas should be a government priority.
Senator Tulfo echoed these sentiments, coordinating with the DMW to support the surviving seafarers and facilitate their repatriation. He emphasized the importance of respecting seafarers’ right to refuse sailing in dangerous waters and ensuring they are well-informed about potential security risks prior to boarding. The DMW has pledged to support the affected families and collaborate with relevant authorities for a swift response.
