Filipino Seafarer Protection Urged Amid Black Sea Drone Attacks

MIGRANTE INTERNATIONAL on Tuesday urged the government to strengthen protections for Filipino seafarers after two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) died in separate drone attacks on vessels operating in the Black Sea. The call came after Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said nine vessels carrying about 139 Filipino seafarers had come under drone attacks while transiting the Black Sea or while docked at ports in Ukraine and Russia. The attacks killed two Filipino seamen, injured 12 others and left one crew member missing, while 124 were confirmed safe, Mr. Cacdac said. Migrante Chairperson Joanna Concepcion said the incidents showed existing safeguards remained inadequate despite the DMW’s designation of the Black Sea and the Strait of Hormuz as war-like operation areas. The DMW reiterated its call for shipowners and manning agencies to avoid high-risk routes and ensure seafarers can exercise their right to refuse deployment without facing discrimination. It said affected workers and their families would continue to receive medical, psychological and repatriation assistance. Malacañang said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has ordered the DMW to provide legal and other assistance to the families of the deceased seafarers. Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said the government is reviewing the incidents to boost protection for Filipinos deployed in conflict areas. Philippines is one of the world's largest suppliers of seafarers, and remittances from OFWs are a significant pillar of the country's economy. The incidents underscore the pressing need for safety and security in international waters.