MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Tuesday reminded Filipino seafarers of their right to refuse sailing through “high-risk, war-like” areas such as the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, following recent attacks by Houthi rebels in the region.

In a press briefing, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac emphasized that seafarers must be informed of potential dangers along their assigned routes and that they have the right to decline passage through perilous zones.

“This is merely a reiteration for our Filipino seafarers of their right to refuse sailing through high-risk zones, which is a well-entrenched maritime tradition,” said Cacdac, citing provisions under Department Order No. 1, Series of 2024. “As issued by the DMW and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the risks of traversing these areas must be well-explained to the seafarers for their safety and security.”

The advisory comes after attacks were reported on July 6 involving two ships with Filipino crew onboard — the MV Magic Seas and MV Eternity C.

All 17 Filipino crew members aboard the Magic Seas were confirmed safe and are set for repatriation. The DMW is in close coordination with the principal and licensed manning agency (LMA) of the 21 Filipino crew members on the Eternity C to determine their status and ensure appropriate support.

To formalize refusal to sail in high-risk areas, Filipino seafarers may submit a “Confirmation of Refusal to Traverse the Red Sea, or Gulf of Aden, and/or to Other War-Like and High-Risk Zone” to their LMAs and notify the DMW Seabased Accreditation Bureau.

The form may be sent via email to sbhighrisk@dmw.gov.ph, or seafarers may call the DMW hotline 1348 for immediate assistance.