DMW to recommend Strait of Hormuz as ‘high-risk area’ to protect Pinoy seafarers

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Tuesday said it will recommend the Strait of Hormuz to be classified as a  “high-risk area” for seafaring activities following Iran’s seizure of an Israel-linked ship in the waterway over the weekend.

Officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac said the DMW will make the recommendation to the International Bargaining Forum (IBF), a global platform that brings together the International Transport Workers Federation and the international maritime employers that comprise the Joint Negotiation Group.

“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our Filipino seafarers is not just a priority, it’s our mission,” DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo Cacdac said in a press statement.

“By spearheading the push for this high-risk area designation, we are taking a proactive stance to encourage stricter enforcement of security measures and provide our seafarers with the necessary safeguards during their passage,” he said.

Areas considered HRAs by the IBF have increased vigilance and security patrols by regional authorities, mandatory reporting requirements for vessels transiting the area, and recommendations for alternative routes.

The IBF designated the Gulf of Aden as an HRA while the Red Sea was included in the “war-like zones” (WLZs).

Cacdac reiterated that Filipino seafarers have the right to refuse to sail in areas deemed as HRAs and WLZs by the IBF.

“The DMW is committed to working with various stakeholders in the global maritime industry to achieve this crucial designation of the Strait of Hormuz as an HRA. We believe that only through collective efforts can we ensure the safety of our seafarers,” he said.

Over the weekend, the DMW confirmed four Filipino seafarers were onboard the container ship MSC Aries when it was seized by Iranian forces.

Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Filipino crewmen will be released very soon.—RF, GMA Integrated News