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 Philippines is strengthening ties with Norway to enhance maritime safety, digitalization, and decarbonization. Discussions led by MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan and Norwegian officials focused on technical assistance for maritime incident analysis and shared best practices for ship inspections, aiming to improve seafarer competencies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Philippines’ Secretary of Energy, Sharon Garin, announced the country’s request for a U.S. waiver to continue purchasing Russian oil, which expired on April 11. While optimistic about the extension, the government is exploring alternative suppliers, including Colombia, Argentina, Canada, and the U.S., to diversify energy sources.
An investigation into the ferry Trisha Kerstin 3’s sinking revealed it was overloaded during its last voyage. The Philippine government dismissed several officials, including key maritime authorities. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced potential legal action against the ferry’s operator, Aleson Shipping Lines, amid ongoing searches for victims. The death toll has reached 52.
On February 11, Philippine authorities revealed that the ferry Trisha Kerstin 3, which sank on January 26, may have been overloaded, contributing to at least 52 fatalities. Investigations indicated that the crew failed to warn passengers as the vessel began to list, raising serious concerns about safety regulations and oversight.
The Philippine Coast Guard is managing the situation of the tanker Espada, which ran aground in Oriental Mindoro. All 18 crew members are safe, and no pollution has been reported. Refloating efforts began on February 10, focusing on returning the vessel to deeper waters to prevent environmental hazards.
Three more bodies from the sunken ferry Trisha Kerstin 3 have been recovered near Basilan, raising the confirmed death toll to 40, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. Among the deceased is Coast Guard Seaman Alkhaizar Hadjail, honored for his dedication to public service. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident.
On Monday morning, the interisland ferry Trisha Kerstin 3 sank near Basilan Province, resulting in at least 15 fatalities. The vessel had departed Zamboanga City with 332 passengers and 27 crew members. As of Monday, 317 individuals were rescued, but 28 remain unaccounted for. The cause of the sinking is under investigation.
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.
Recent research from the Philippines reveals that advanced open-ocean navigators thrived there 35,000 years ago. Archaeologists uncovered evidence of sophisticated, interconnected communities in Mindoro, challenging long-held beliefs about Southeast Asian prehistory. Findings include advanced tools, specialized fishing gear, and long-distance trade, suggesting a complex maritime culture and intentional migration.
India and the Philippines have upgraded their strategic partnership to enhance trade, defense, and maritime cooperation. This agreement, reached during talks in New Delhi between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aims to strengthen ties and address regional challenges, fostering economic growth and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
As the oil rig and wind farm industries increasingly shift to Asia, the Philippines and Japan are preparing for a surge in demand for dynamic positioning (DP) professionals. On July 29, 2025, a new Dynamic Positioning Training Center was inaugurated in Mariveles, Bataan, to address this critical need.
Malacañang has issued Memorandum Circular 87 to enhance public awareness of the Philippines’ maritime identity. Signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the circular calls on government agencies, local units, and private stakeholders to promote the nation as a maritime and archipelagic entity, reinforcing previous legislative efforts and proclaiming September as Maritime Awareness Month.
The Philippine government confirmed the safe return of eight Filipino seafarers from the MV Eternity C, attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Arriving on July 16 at NAIA Terminal 1, they will receive financial assistance, medical care, and reintegration support following coordinated efforts by the Department of Migrant Workers.
The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has issued an urgent advisory for rerouting vessels with Filipino crews from high-risk areas like the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. This directive affirms seafarers’ right to refuse sailing in dangerous zones, following recent attacks affecting their safety. Compliance is mandatory for licensed agencies.
