The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has declared that Filipino seafarers now have the right to refuse sailing through the Gulf of Aden, as stated by the officer-in-charge, Hans Leo Cacdac.
Cacdac mentioned that Filipino seafarers who opt out of voyages through the Gulf of Aden may avail themselves of repatriation, with the company covering expenses. They will also receive compensation equivalent to two months of basic wage.
This directive follows the decision of the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) to extend the coverage of high-risk areas (HRAs) to encompass the entirety of the Gulf of Aden.
The expanded HRA includes the entire southern section of the Red Sea and the entire Gulf of Aden, covering the waters of Yemen in the Arabian Peninsula to the waters of Eritrea in the Horn of Africa region in Eastern Africa.
According to the DMW, affected seafarers should also receive:
- a bonus equal to the basic wage, payable for five days minimum + per day if longer
- double compensation in case of death and disability
- a mandatory requirement to increase security arrangements equivalent to ISPS Level 3
Cacdac emphasized, “The expansion of the scope of ‘high-risk areas’ to include the Gulf of Aden serves as a necessary step towards providing stronger protection and promoting stricter security measures to safeguard Filipino seafarers and all seafarers working onboard ships navigating in such HRAs.”
Cacdac also urged Filipino seafarers’ employers to take necessary steps to avoid risks in voyages, such as rerouting ships and deploying armed security personnel.
The DMW official also expressed hope for continued diplomatic efforts to ease tensions arising from conflicts in the Middle East.
In November 2023, two Filipino seafarers were among those aboard a chemical tanker hijacked in the Gulf of Aden.
Last December, a container ship carrying 15 Filipino crew members was targeted in a drone attack by Yemeni Houthi rebels near the Red Sea. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident.