The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) on Wednesday expressed support for the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) policy not to allow Filipino seafarers to sail on ships attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and other high-risk areas.
“No value or money can replace (the) life of a seafarer. Safety is non-negotiable,” MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan said in a statement.
On Tuesday, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said the manning of ships owned by the principals or shipowners of M/V Galaxy Leader, M/V True Confidence, and M/V Tutor – all Filipino-manned vessels involved in attacks by Houthi rebels – would no longer be processed by the DMW.
About 78 Filipinos have manifested their right to refuse sailing through identified war-like areas in June, according to the DMW.
The policy was discussed during the Iba ang May Alam! forum on seafarers’ welfare on Tuesday as part of the country’s celebration of the Day of the Seafarers.
During the event, Malaluan and other panelists discussed how ensuring seafarers on board are medically fit is not considered discrimination.
She called on seafarers to always follow safety and security regulations aboard ships. (PNA)
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