DMW: Seafarers may refuse sailing in ‘war-risk zones’
The Philippine government has advised Filipino seafarers that they have the right to refuse to sail in “war-risk zones” amid the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
In an advisory on Saturday, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) identified these areas as the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz.
DMW Advisory No. 11, series of 2026, designated the three bodies of water as “Warlike Operations Areas,” or war-risk zones, following the decision of the Warlike Operations Area Committee of the International Bargaining Forum.
“Filipino crew members, particularly ship owners who carry Filipino crew members, are not expected to be in that area, or else give Filipino crew members the right to refuse sailing and to avoid this area as much as possible because it is very dangerous right now,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in Filipino in a video statement on Saturday evening.
Fresh attacks
Cacdac said the DMW will coordinate with shipowners, seafarer groups and international organizations to ensure the safety of Filipino seafarers.
On Feb. 28, the United States and Israel joined forces in attacking Iran, which then retaliated with missile launches at Israel and American bases in the Gulf states.
Iran on Sunday launched new attacks on Middle Eastern countries, where the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz are located.
The Persian Gulf, known to possess one of the world’s largest oil reserves, is surrounded by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Meanwhile, the Gulf of Oman is between Iran, Oman and the UAE.
The Strait of Hormuz, situated between the two gulfs, is a major passageway for fuel products.
House briefing
The House of Representatives, meanwhile, has scheduled a briefing on Wednesday to discuss the safety of overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East.
“Our overseas Filipino workers play a vital role in supporting millions of Filipino families and contributing to the country’s economic stability,” House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos said on Sunday.
“At a time of uncertainty in the region, it is important that the government remains fully prepared to protect their welfare and provide assistance when needed,” he added.
