MANILA — Senator Raffy Tulfo raised concerns over the welfare of Filipino seafarers and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during a courtesy visit from newly appointed Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) ambassadors.

The ambassadors, led by former DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo, visited Tulfo at the Senate ahead of their confirmation by the Commission on Appointments. The group included Ambassadors Pablito Mendoza (Denmark), Gines Gallaga (Bahrain), Marlowe Miranda (Lebanon), Noel Novicio (Fiji), Jaime Ascalon (Turkey), and DAS Dinno Oblena (promotion to Chief of Mission, Class II), accompanied by several undersecretaries and assistant secretaries.

During the meeting, Tulfo highlighted the recent incident in the United States where numerous Filipino seafarers were reportedly deported without due process after being accused by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of accessing pornographic materials, despite no evidence being presented against them.

Tulfo also urged the ambassadors to coordinate with officials in their assigned countries to implement policies preventing employers from confiscating OFWs’ passports, a problem prevalent in the Middle East.

The visiting officials agreed to begin joint efforts to assist and protect Filipino seafarers and OFWs, ensuring they are not exploited or abused.