The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is currently investigating shipowners and recruitment agencies that have placed Filipino seafarers in perilous situations, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea. Secretary of Migrant Workers Hans Leo Cacdac emphasized that the investigation aims to ascertain whether these companies have breached DMW regulations related to deploying Filipino seafarers in high-risk and conflict zones. This scrutiny follows a recent directive that explicitly prohibits agencies from sending Filipino crew members to vessels heading to the northern Black Sea.
The investigation has been prompted by the attack on the MT Sidr oil tanker on August 31, a Saudi-flagged vessel that was carrying 16 Filipino seafarers, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives. Cacdac noted that the DMW is focusing on five specific recruitment agencies in connection with this incident. He also mentioned his upcoming trip to Dubai to meet with the shipowner directly, which is a crucial step in the investigation.
Cacdac reiterated the DMW’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) by enforcing regulations that protect seafarers from unnecessary risks. He highlighted the importance of respecting seafarers’ rights, including their right to refuse to sail in dangerous waters. Potential repercussions for non-compliance could include the suspension of agency licenses or financial penalties.
