PHILIPPINES: Twelve Filipino seafarers are safe after a reported ship attack in waters off Iraq, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). The update comes as tensions continue to rise in key maritime routes in the Middle East, raising concern among thousands of overseas Filipino workers at sea, GMA News Online reported.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed that the seafarers were not harmed during the incident. The agency received reports directly from shipowners, assuring that the crew members are now out of immediate danger.
Beyond the attacked vessel, the DMW is closely monitoring a much larger group. Over 7,000 Filipino seafarers currently assigned to ships near the Strait of Hormuz have also been reported safe so far. This area remains one of the most critical and sensitive global shipping routes, especially amid ongoing regional conflict.
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High-risk zones declared
The DMW has earlier classified several areas as “war risk operations areas,” including:
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Strait of Hormuz
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Persian Gulf
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Gulf of Oman
These zones are known for heavy oil traffic and are now considered high-risk due to recent security threats and military activity.
DMW: You can refuse deployment
In light of the situation, the DMW is again reminding Filipino seafarers of their rights.
Seafarers are allowed to refuse boarding ships that will pass through these high-risk areas. This is a critical protection, especially for workers who feel unsafe due to current conditions.
Those who choose to decline deployment are entitled to:
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Two months’ salary
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Free transportation back to the Philippines
This policy aims to ensure that workers are not forced into dangerous assignments while still receiving financial and logistical support.
What Filipino Seafarers Should Do Next
While the latest update confirms safety, the situation remains fluid. The presence of over 7,000 Filipino seafarers in nearby waters highlights the scale of exposure to potential risks.
For many Filipino families, seafaring remains a key source of income. But with rising tensions in global shipping lanes, safety is now a growing concern alongside job security.
The DMW continues to coordinate with shipowners and international partners to monitor developments and ensure the welfare of Filipino crew members.