SEVENTY-EIGHT Filipino seafarers have exercised their “right to refuse sailing” since March amid attacks on vessels passing through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea which are considered “high-risk areas” and “war-like zones,” according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
The number could be higher as stakeholder consultations are ongoing “with the social partners, the seafarers’ groups, and the ship owners groups,” said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.
Earlier, the DMW said it will be evaluating compliance of ship owners with the “right to refuse sailing” policy. In March, the DMW directed all licensed manning agencies and their accredited principals/employers to ensure the proper implementation of the decision of Filipino seafarers to invoke their right to refuse sailing.
The DMW has said Filipino seafarers who will refuse to sail in risk areas will be repatriated.
The seafarers must also be allowed to decide without discrimination and prejudice to their present and future employment.
Recently, 21 Filipino crewmen of the cargo ship MV Tutor return to Manila. Their ship was attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Another Filipino crewman has not been accounted for. The US has said a Filipino died in the incident but the DMW said the seafarer is still considered missing until a body is found.
Seventeen Filipino seamen are still in the hands of the Houthis.
