News Articles:

1. 18 more Filipino Seafarers arrive home safe from the Persian Gulf - (Department of Migrant Workers)

  • 18 Filipino seafarers were safely repatriated on April 30 and May 1, 2026, after exercising their right to refuse sailing through the high-risk Strait of Hormuz aboard the Liberian-flagged vessel M/V MSC Ishyka, in accordance with DMW Advisory No. 09 issued on March 1, 2026.
  • DMW Assistant Secretary Venecio V. Legaspi and Labor Attaché Solaiman C. Mutia personally met and assisted the seafarers at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, ensuring continued government support throughout the repatriation process.
  • Upon arrival in the Philippines, the seafarers received financial and transportation assistance from DMW and OWWA, with the repatriation facilitated by their manning agency.

2. DMW allows limited crew change for Filipino seafarers in Middle East conflict zones - (The Manila Times)

  • DMW Advisory No. 23, Series of 2026 now permits temporary and conditional crew changes for Filipino seafarers in Middle East conflict zones — including the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman — following a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, with Iran providing safe passage assurances for Filipino seafarers and Philippine-flagged vessels.
  • Strict protocols are in place for crew changes, requiring replacement seafarers to be fully briefed on conflict risks, sign a notarized declaration acknowledging risks and waiving the right to refuse sailing, limit transit to secured routes, and strictly prohibit nonessential travel — with all deviations from planned movement required to be documented and justified.
  • The advisory includes a safeguard provision that all temporary crew change activities will be immediately suspended should hostilities resume or escalate, and the DMW is urging shipowners and manning agencies to provide alternative employment or transfers for displaced Filipino seafarers while ensuring their safety at all times.

3. Aspiring Filipina Seafarers Gear up for Maritime Journey - (Department of Migrant Workers)

  • 64 women cadets from various maritime schools attended a special Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar organized by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on March 26, 2025, in Mandaluyong City, providing guidance on onboard expectations, safety protocols, and professional responsibilities in the global maritime sector.
  • The seminar covered key topics including risks and challenges at sea, women leadership, and the implementation of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, while also warning participants against online scams, illegal recruitment, and human trafficking.
  • The activity is aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to empower women seafarers and ensure equal opportunities in the maritime industry, reaffirming the DMW's commitment to uplifting Filipina seafarers in the global maritime workforce during Women's Month.

 

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