Senator Erwin Tulfo expressed serious concerns over a recent drone attack on a container vessel with Filipino seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite Iran’s prior assurances of safe passage, Tulfo plans to urge the Department of Foreign Affairs to clarify the situation, emphasizing the importance of seafarer safety in this crucial waterway.
The Department of Migrant Workers confirmed that seven Filipino seafarers were injured in an Iranian drone attack on the CMA CGM San Antonio. Four sustained minor injuries, while three are stable. Philippine officials are monitoring their condition and coordinating with hospital authorities to ensure their well-being during this critical time.
The Philippine government is intensifying legal assistance for three Filipino seafarers detained in Algeria over a drug-related incident. The Department of Migrant Workers is collaborating with the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure adequate legal representation. Ongoing communication with families and government visits aim to monitor the detainees’ well-being.
An estimated 3,500 Filipino seafarers remain in the Persian Gulf, according to the Department of Migrant Workers. While 1,161 have successfully exited, many continue working aboard operational ships. The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed Iran’s assurance of safe passage for Philippine-flagged vessels amid rising regional tensions, prioritizing safety.
Families of three detained Filipino seafarers are urging the Philippine government to seek a fair trial in Algeria. During a press conference, Marie, one of the wives, appealed to President Marcos Jr. for diplomatic intervention, asserting their innocence against wrongful criminalization. The seafarers face a reduced 10-year sentence.
Over 5,600 Filipino seafarers remain stranded on 533 vessels in the Middle East due to the ongoing Gulf crisis. The Department of Migrant Workers reports 4,844 crew members in the Persian Gulf and 819 in the Gulf of Oman, while the DFA confirms Iran’s assurance for safe passage for Philippine-flagged ships.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed Oman’s ambassador, Nasser bin Said bin Abdullah Al Manwari, at Malacañang, highlighting the strong bilateral ties. He expressed gratitude for Oman’s role in the release of Filipino seafarers and royal pardons for OFWs. Both leaders emphasized dialogue in resolving Middle Eastern conflicts and enhancing cooperation.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has urged Filipino seafarers to exercise caution in the Persian Gulf and surrounding areas due to rising tensions. Reports of military actions, including missile and drone strikes, have led to the designation of these regions as Warlike Operations Areas, increasing risks during deployments and crew changes.
The Department of Migrant Workers and the Philippine Embassy in Finland commended 19 Filipino crew members of the Cymona Eagle for their heroic rescue of Finnish rower Jari Saario. After his boat was damaged in a storm, the crew navigated treacherous conditions to save him, showcasing exceptional seamanship and humanitarian spirit.
Six Filipino seafarers, who endured harsh conditions and over two months of unpaid wages, were safely repatriated to the Philippines from Suriname on December 26, 2025. Welcomed by DMW Assistant Secretary Maria Regina Angela Galias, they received immediate financial aid and support for their return, emphasizing the commitment to protect overseas workers’ rights.
Nine Filipino seafarers from the M/V Eternity C returned to Manila after being held hostage by Houthi rebels for five months. Their arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport was facilitated by the Department of Migrant Workers, with support from Oman. They expressed gratitude for their unexpected release just before Christmas.
The Department of Migrant Workers has announced the repatriation of Filipino seafarers previously held hostage by Houthi rebels. The crew of the MV Eternity C has safely arrived in Muscat, Oman, as efforts continue to finalize their return to the Philippines. This situation underscores the dangers faced by seafarers in conflict zones.
Nigerian anti-drug authorities have detained 20 Filipino seafarers after recovering 20 kilograms of high-grade cocaine from a Panama-registered vessel at Lagos’s main port. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) stated the cocaine was hidden beneath coal cargo. Investigations are ongoing as the crew is questioned about the ship’s route.
The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) has partnered with the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) to enhance welfare support for Filipino seafarers. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, aims to improve seafarer wellbeing, share anonymized helpline data, and strengthen maritime research in the Philippines.
On Wednesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) assured deported Filipino seafarers of support and pledged to raise their issues with US officials. The seafarers, expelled under allegations of discrimination and due process violations, requested a diplomatic protest. The DFA will collaborate with relevant agencies to investigate and provide assistance.
