The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that the Filipino seafarer who died during the Houthi attack on the Dutch-flagged MV Minervagracht was among 12 Filipino crew members who were not informed or consulted before their vessel entered the conflict-prone Gulf of Aden.
DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said that the crew was denied their “right to refuse to sail,” a policy allowing Filipino seafarers to decline deployment through high-risk maritime zones such as the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
“Inutusan silang dumaan doon without observing yung procedure na kailangang tanungin sila at bigyan sila ng pagkakataon na huwag sumakay sa barko na dadaan sa Gulf of Aden,” Cacdac said. He added that the ship’s management also failed to notify the DMW before entering the area, a mandatory requirement under existing safety protocols.
The Minervagracht was struck by Houthi rebels on September 29, resulting in the death of one Filipino and injuries to another. Ten others have since returned home, while one remains under medical care in Djibouti.
Cacdac, together with Department of Foreign Affairs officials, the victim’s wife, and his sister, is currently in Ethiopia en route to Djibouti to oversee the repatriation of the deceased seafarer and to visit the injured Filipino crew member.
“Pagdating namin sa Djibouti… asikasuhin natin yung pag-uwi ng labi at yung repatriation ng recovering OFW,” Cacdac said.
Initial reports revealed that the fallen seafarer continued performing his duties during the attack, helping ensure his crewmates’ safety until the end. “Mayroong mga tripulante tayo na magigiting at patuloy ang paninilbihan on board kahit na humaharap na sa danger,” Cacdac added.
The DMW and DFA are now coordinating with the ship’s owner and international maritime authorities to determine accountability and ensure the protection of all Filipino seafarers deployed in high-risk zones.
