Filipino seafarers are renowned for their diligence and resilience in keeping the global supply chain going, but no one expected them to remain calm and carry in a war-like zone, like the waters of the Middle East.  

But, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), over 3,300 Filipino seafarers did opt to carry on and sail through high-risk areas despite an increase in attacks by Iran-backed terrorists in the Red Sea. 

This update was shared by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac, underscoring the unwavering spirit of Filipino sailors facing escalating maritime dangers. 

During a recent congressional budget briefing, Cacdac addressed a question from OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) party-list lawmaker Marissa Magsino about the department’s position on seafarers’ safety in hazardous regions. 

Cacdac revealed that while 3,300 seafarers have expressed their willingness to continue sailing in high-risk zones, approximately 128 have opted to decline such assignments. 

“Around 128 (Filipino seafarers) have exercised their right of refusal (to sail in high-risk areas). Because our point here is that the freedom to navigate in international waters weighs just as much as the seafarers’ right of refusal,” Cacdac said. 

This development follows the repatriation of 22 Filipino seafarers from oil tanker Sounion, which was attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The assault set the ship ablaze and caused significant damage, yet many Filipino seafarers remain undeterred in fulfilling their duties. 

Freedom of navigation 

Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle for the maritime industry. For shipowners and Filipino seafarers, it represents not just a right but a way of life. 

“We have freedom of navigation — a longstanding maritime freedom that some shipowners and seafarers still exercise. Based on our data, since we started tracking the seafarers plying that route at the beginning of the year, around 3,300 have registered and signified their willingness or at least have not refused to do so,” Cacdac explained. 

In response to the growing threat, the DMW has reinforced its policies to protect seafarers’ rights to refuse assignments in dangerous waters. 

Filipino seafarers can now easily decline such assignments through downloadable forms, a dedicated hotline, or verbal communication. This ensures they are not compelled to undertake perilous voyages against their will. 

Cacdac also emphasized the DMW’s commitment to imposing restrictions on Filipino seafarers boarding vessels known to navigate high-risk zones. 

“This (restriction) means that if a certain shipowner with Filipino seafarers on board, according to our records, has been a target of at least 40 attacks, we won’t allow Filipino seafarers to board those ships anymore,” he said. 

Nine shipowners have already been blacklisted due to repeated attacks involving Filipino seafarers, some of which resulted in fatalities and missing crew members. 

Sanctions imposed on shipowners for endangering seafarers 

Given the ongoing threats, the DMW has warned shipowners of potential sanctions for endangering Filipino seafarers by forcing them into high-risk areas. 

Cacdac noted that the department is closely monitoring compliance through its maritime electronic clearance system and is prepared to halt exit clearances for non-compliant shipowners. 

Shipowners who bypass the system and force seafarers into dangerous waters may face sanctions, including charges of illegal recruitment. This proactive approach follows recent attacks on vessels carrying Filipino seafarers near Yemeni waters, raising serious concerns about maritime safety. 

Seafarers regularly gather on Kalaw Avenue in Manila, braving all weather, in their quest for jobs on international vessels.

Rising risks, calculated choices  

While the dangers are significant, some seafarers, like 49-year-old able-bodied seaman Heinz Delgado, fully support the DMW’s initiatives to safeguard seafarers from harm. 

Heinz, who is currently processing his papers, believes that government measures — especially restrictions on boarding certain vessels — are vital for protecting lives. 

“It’s the right move. It also depends on the company,” Delgado shared. “In our company, I haven’t encountered such situations, but I wouldn’t agree to sail through dangerous areas like the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden,” said Heinz, during an interview with Maritime Fairtrade on the street of Kalaw, Manila, a recruitment hub for Filipino seafarers. 

When asked for advice to fellow seafarers who are still willing to sail in high-risk areas despite recent rebel attacks, Heinz said, “They should be extra cautious if their ship has to pass through those areas. They need to take double precautions.” 

For other seafarers, like 56-year-old Arthur Bongcac, the decision to sail through high-risk areas is more complex. 

Arthur explained that the choice depends on factors such as crew consensus and the proximity of the route to rebel-occupied regions. He noted: “If the majority agrees, I’ll go along. But if many refuse, I’ll join them in refusing. So, it really depends.” 

Arthur also recalled how additional compensation was used to mitigate the risks of sailing through dangerous waters. 

“In the past, just passing through high-risk areas earned you compensation. Now, it seems you’re only paid if pirates or rebels chase the ship,” he said. 

This policy shift has led some seafarers like Arthur to question the adequacy of current protective measures. 

A legacy of courage and sacrifice 

The challenges faced by Filipino seafarers are longstanding, but the evolving nature of maritime threats has reshaped their approach to work. 

Carlito Tubil, a seafarer for 23 years, recounted harrowing experiences navigating war-torn regions like Ukraine. He shared a recent voyage where they agreed to sail despite the risks, motivated by doubled pay. 

“We were on edge, hearing the sounds of missiles, which was terrifying. We stayed there for less than a week. That was August last year,” Carlito narrated. Despite the dangers, he and other Filipino sailors proceeded, driven by their dedication and the promise of increased compensation. 

Carlito noted that beyond financial incentives, the fear of being reprimanded by his agency and potentially being barred from future assignments influenced his decision to continue despite the risks. 

The 59-year-old Carlito also expressed concerns that age and shifting industry standards have made it harder for older seafarers to secure vessel assignments. 

Arthur, who has been sailing the seas since 1994, agreed, saying that many shipping companies now prioritize younger workers, even if they lack the extensive experience older seafarers offer. 

With the maritime industry continually evolving, both Arthur and Carlito hope the government remains focused on seafarers’ safety and well-being, especially in high-risk assignments. The sacrifices they make for their families and careers underscore not only their bravery but also their enduring commitment to the global maritime workforce. 

As the industry advances, so too must the safeguards to protect these modern-day heroes.

All photos credit: Liz Lagniton

Top photo: Kalaw Avenue in Manila.