Manila: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reiterated its warning to shipowners and manning agencies with vessels traversing the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to divert voyages or not deploy Filipino seafarers on their ships. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac made the stern call during a virtual press briefing on Tuesday, amid escalating attacks by armed groups in the two high-risk areas.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac stated that Filipino seafarers will no longer be allowed to board MV Magic Seas and MV Eternity C following consecutive armed attacks on the two ships by Houthi rebels on Sunday and Monday. 'The Magic Seas and Eternity C, prohibited na, absolute na ang prohibition sa principal to board a Filipino seafarer sa barko nilang dadaan ng (they are now prohibited, it's an absolute prohibition on the principal to board a Filipino seafarer on their ship that will pass) Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Huwag nyo na isali please ang mga Pilipino sa Gulf of Aden at Red Sea where definitely we are now seeing another spate or rush of attacks from the Houthis,' he said.

Cacdac emphasized that the risk has returned as recurrent and urged shipowners to avoid the Red Sea. He stressed that if shipowners choose to pass through the Red Sea, they should not board Filipino seafarers on their vessels. The situation has become critical following the recent attacks by Houthi rebels.

On Sunday, Houthi rebels attacked MV Magic Seas with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades from eight skiffs as well as missiles and four uncrewed surface vessels, while sailing the Red Sea near Hodeidah, Yemen. Seventeen Filipino seafarers and two other crew members were able to abandon the ship and were rescued by the passing container ship Safeen Prism. Cacdac confirmed that they are now safe and en route home after surviving the attack.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Houthi militants also claimed assaults on Eternity C with 22 members on board, 21 Filipinos and one Russian, with sea drones and skiffs. International media reported that two crew members were seriously injured while two were missing. Cacdac mentioned that the DMW is currently verifying the veracity of the reports and whether it involved any of the Filipino seafarers on board.

The DMW reminded shipowners and manning agencies that under its Department Order 1, issued in March 2024, they must report planned passages through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and ensure Filipino crew are fully informed of the risks. Cacdac also stressed that Filipino seafarers have the right to refuse sailing in 'warlike zones' without fear of losing their jobs.

Cacdac reassured that the DMW is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with the families of the Filipino seafarers. He stated, 'We will find a connection with the seafarers in terms of communication as soon as possible. And also the families. We will meet the families later face-to-face or virtual.' He added that they will provide the necessary assistance as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., emphasizing the importance of taking care of the families and monitoring the situation.