270 Filipino Seafarers Deported from US Ports, Rights Groups Demand Investigation

AROUND 270 Filipino seafarers have been removed from their vessels and deported from United States ports, migrant rights groups said on Sunday, prompting calls for an investigation into the cases and greater protection for Filipino maritime workers. In a statement, the Save Our Seafarers (SOS) movement, led by the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) and Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA), said the affected seafarers were removed by US Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations without formal charges or convictions. The documented cases involved seafarers who had not been formally charged or convicted, the coalition said, adding that they were not given a meaningful opportunity to contest the allegations that led to their removal. The groups called for “justice and reinstatement” of the affected Filipino seafarers, saying the removals had cost them their livelihoods. The SOS movement also warned that more Filipino seafarers could be affected if the reported practice continues unchecked. The coalition described the cases as part of what it called “Operation Tidal Wave,” which it characterized as a racially charged US immigration crackdown. The Philippine government should ensure that Filipino maritime workers are protected from arbitrary removal and afforded due process while working overseas, the group said. Party-list Rep. Haima “Dadah” Kiram Ismula called on the Philippine government to demand answers and protect affected workers. The PWC and CMA are set to hold a solidarity dialogue on Monday with affected seafarers, families, labor leaders and government representatives to discuss the deported removals and assistance for workers. — Pexcel John Bacon