MANILA — Filipino seafarers may refuse deployment in three Middle Eastern maritime areas now classified as war-risk zones, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced.

In a video message, Cacdac said he signed DMW Advisory No. 11, Series of 2026 designating the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz as “warlike operations areas.”

“Ngayong gabi po ay napirmahan ko ang DMW Advisory No. 11, Series of 2026, na nagtatalaga sa Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, bilang kasama na ang Strait of Hormuz bilang warlike operations area, ibig sabihin, war-risk zone,” Cacdac said.

Under the advisory, Filipino crew members are not expected to operate in those waters, and shipowners are encouraged to avoid the region because of the danger. If a vessel must pass through the designated areas, Filipino seafarers must be given the option to refuse deployment.

“Hangga’t maaari, iwasan ang bahagi ng mundo na ito… Napakadelikado po sa ngayon,” Cacdac said, urging maritime employers to steer clear of the zone whenever possible.

The Persian Gulf, which holds some of the world’s largest oil reserves, is bordered by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The Gulf of Oman lies between Iran and Oman, with part of its waters touching the UAE.

The advisory came after Iran’s navy reportedly restricted vessel passage through the Strait of Hormuz following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on Feb. 28. About 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes through the strategic waterway, making it one of the most critical shipping routes globally.