Manila: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will continue its temporary ban on deploying Filipino seafarers to the northern Black Sea, citing ongoing risks due to the persistent attacks on vessels in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac emphasized the dangers faced by crew members navigating through the area during an interview on Friday. He highlighted that the Department of National Defense (DND) and Department of Foreign Affairs have assessed the situation as a full-scale international armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with indiscriminate attacks on vessels.
Cacdac noted that the DMW issued Advisory No. 50 on July 31, 2026, to enforce protective measures for Filipino seafarers affected by the hostilities in the northern Black Sea. The advisory aligns with security assessments classifying the region as an area of heightened conflict.
The International Bargaining Forum and the International Transport Workers' Federation have both designated the northern Black Sea as a high-risk area (HRA) and warlike operations zone due to ongoing threats to commercial shipping. Cacdac reported that approximately 281 Filipino seafarers on 20 ships have been involved in various attacks, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
Among the affected seafarers, 200 have returned to the Philippines, including two out of the three fatalities, along with 15 injured crew members. Another 35 seafarers are awaiting repatriation, while 46 remain on their vessels. Efforts are underway to bring home the remains of the third fatality, currently in Romania, within the week.
Cacdac also mentioned that one seafarer remains missing. The government is providing comprehensive support to the affected seafarers, including welfare, accommodation, transportation, and psychosocial assistance. Families of the deceased are receiving additional support, such as scholarship assistance for their children.
In line with the protective measures, the DMW is monitoring compliance by shipowners with reporting requirements and ensuring that seafarers' rights to refuse sailing in high-risk areas are respected. The directive will undergo a 15-day review, with the DMW seeking updated security assessments from relevant government agencies.
