Manila: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has pledged full support to the family of a Filipino seafarer who was reported missing after their tugboat was struck by a missile in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Philippines News Agency, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated that the DMW is already in contact with the seafarer's family. "Our team a few days ago had already visited the family's home and assured them of our full support during these difficult times while we await the results of the search and rescue at sea," Cacdac mentioned.

Reports indicated that the missing Filipino seafarer was aboard a UAE-registered tugboat, identified as Musaffah 2, which was sent to assist the Malta-flagged container ship Safeen Prestige. This ship had been stranded near the Strait of Hormuz on March 6, after being struck by a missile two days earlier. The tugboat was reportedly hit by at least two projectiles, caught fire, and eventually sank.

Cacdac confirmed that the crew members from the distressed vessel were reported safe. However, one Filipino crew member from the assisting tugboat remains missing. The DMW reported monitoring at least 6,400 Filipino seafarers on vessels in the region, with all marked safe.

The department continues to track ships with Filipino crew near the Strait of Hormuz. On Sunday, Cacdac issued DMW Advisory No. 11, series of 2026, aligning with the Warlike Operations Area Committee (WOAC) of the International Bargaining Forum (IBF), which designates the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman as 'Warlike Operations Areas'.

The advisory reminds Filipino seafarers of their right to refuse sailing to areas classified as high-risk and war-like and requires shipowners to implement enhanced security measures along with proper compensation and benefits for crews operating in or affected by conflict conditions.

International Maritime Organization Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez expressed concern over the attack, describing it as 'unacceptable and unsustainable.' He stressed that "all parties and stakeholders have an obligation to take necessary measures to ensure the protection of seafarers, including their rights and well-being, and the freedom of navigation, in accordance with international law." Dominguez highlighted that around 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, onboard ships facing heightened risks and substantial mental strain.