PHILIPPINES: Filipino seafarers may now legally refuse deployment in three Middle Eastern maritime zones declared as war-risk areas, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced that the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz have been officially designated as “warlike operations areas” under DMW Advisory No. 11, Series of 2026.
The advisory allows Filipino crew members to decline assignments that require them to sail through these high-risk waters.
Contents
Areas Declared as War-Risk Zones
In a video message released on March 8, Cacdac confirmed that the advisory was signed to protect the safety of Filipino seafarers working on international vessels.
The declaration covers three critical maritime routes:
• Persian Gulf
• Gulf of Oman
• Strait of Hormuz
“These areas are now considered war-risk zones,” Cacdac said.
He added that Filipino seafarers should not be required to operate in these waters, especially while tensions in the region remain high.
Shipowners and operators were also urged to avoid sending vessels through these areas whenever possible.
“As much as possible, this part of the world should be avoided because it is currently extremely dangerous,” the secretary said.
Why the Region Is Considered High Risk
The declaration comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, recently saw heightened security concerns after Iran’s navy reportedly restricted vessel passage following a coordinated strike by the United States and Israel in Iran on February 28.
The narrow strait is one of the most important shipping routes in the world.
About 20 percent of the global oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making it a critical channel for international trade and energy transport.
The Persian Gulf itself is surrounded by major oil-producing nations, including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Meanwhile, the Gulf of Oman connects the region to the Arabian Sea and also borders parts of Iran, Oman, and the UAE.
What This Means for Filipino Seafarers
With the advisory now in effect, Filipino seafarers assigned to ships entering these waters can exercise their right to refuse deployment without facing penalties.
The DMW emphasized that the measure is intended to protect Filipino maritime workers while regional tensions remain uncertain.
Officials also reminded shipowners and recruitment agencies to respect the advisory and prioritize the safety of their crews.
For now, authorities are closely monitoring developments in the region and may issue further guidance if the situation escalates.