Catholic aid organization urges for the return of overseas Filipino workers impacted by the Israel-Palestine conflict
### Filipino Seafarers' Safety and Protection: A Call for Enhanced Measures
The safety and well-being of Filipino seafarers working in high-risk areas, such as the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, have become a pressing concern. Father John Mission, the national director of Stella Maris - Philippines, a Catholic church maritime charity, has emphasised the urgency of prioritising the protection of these seafarers.
On July 8, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac reminded Filipino seafarers that they have the right to refuse sailing through "high-risk, war-like" regions. This followed the attack on the MV Eternity C on July 8, which resulted in the sinking of the ship and the disappearance of several Filipino sailors. Five of the 21 Filipino crew members have since been rescued.
Another incident occurred on July 6, when the MV Magic Seas, with 17 Filipino crew members, was attacked. Fortunately, all 17 crew members are safe and will be repatriated.
In light of these incidents, Father John Mission has called for "enhanced measures to ensure the safety and security of our seafarers working in high-risk areas." The organisation has also expressed hope and prayer for the recovery of the missing seafarers from the MV Eternity C.
The Philippine government maintains a neutral stance in the Israel-Palestine conflict, considering the 2.1 million OFWs in the Middle East, including approximately 30,000 Filipinos in Israel. However, on July 10, 2025, Father John Mission urged the Philippine government to immediately repatriate OFWs affected by the conflict.
## Current Safety Measures and Protection Policies
To address these challenges, several safety measures and protection policies are in place.
### Safety Measures
1. Vessel Security: Ships traversing these areas often implement enhanced security measures, including armed guards and surveillance systems, to deter pirate attacks and other threats.
2. Route Avoidance: There is growing advocacy for ships to avoid these regions when possible to minimise exposure to danger.
3. Emergency Assistance: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) works closely with other government agencies and manning agencies to provide assistance in case of emergencies, ensuring the safe repatriation of seafarers.
### Protection Policies
1. Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers: This legislation aims to protect the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers, particularly in high-risk situations, by ensuring better working conditions and legal protections.
2. Philippine Ship Safety Rules and Regulations (PSSRR): These regulations ensure that Philippine-registered vessels comply with international safety standards, contributing to safer working conditions for seafarers.
3. Government Support: The Philippine government provides financial aid and support to seafarers affected by maritime incidents. For example, the DMW offers assistance to seafarers who have faced attacks or been stranded.
## Challenges and Future Directions
Despite these measures, challenges remain, such as ensuring compliance with safety regulations and providing adequate support to seafarers facing threats like piracy or armed attacks. Continued efforts to enhance safety protocols and protect seafarers' rights are crucial in these high-risk environments.
Stella Maris - Philippines stands in solidarity with the victims and their families during this difficult time. The organisation has expressed deep condolences for the families and loved ones affected by the sinking of the MV Eternity C.
The Philippines is a major provider of shipping crew globally, accounting for over 20 percent of the world's 1.2 million shipping personnel. The safety and well-being of these seafarers are of paramount importance, and efforts to ensure their protection will continue to be a priority.
- The Philippine government, while maintaining a neutral stance in the Israel-Palestine conflict, was urged by Father John Mission to immediately repatriate OFWs affected by the conflict.
- In light of recent incidents such as the sinking of MV Eternity C and the attack on MV Magic Seas, Father John Mission is calling for enhanced measures to ensure the safety and security of Filipino seafarers working in high-risk areas.
- The Philippine government provides financial aid and support to seafarers affected by maritime incidents, with the Department of Migrant Workers offering assistance to seafarers who have faced attacks or been stranded.
- The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is a legislation aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers, particularly in high-risk situations, by ensuring better working conditions and legal protections.
