Filipino seafarers should opt out of Red Sea trips – DFA

Metro Manila Philippines – The government has advised Filipino seafarers to opt out of trips through the Red Sea because of high security risks.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) advisory came on the heels of multiple attacks by Houthi rebels on Wednesday, Aug. 21, on a Greek-flagged oil tanker with 23 Filipinos.

The Migrant Workers Department said on Thursday, Aug. 22, that all seafarers were rescued.

“This situation has worsened due in part to the conflict escalation in the Red Sea that poses a clear and present danger to all Filipino seafarers working in the area,” the DFA said in a statement.

The agency reminded Filipinos to invoke their “right to refuse” sailing should it be necessary.

“Philippine nationals should avoid the area altogether unless absolutely necessary for their livelihood,” it added.

Early this year, the DMW prohibited Filipino seafarers from boarding ships that were attacked while passing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Since November, Houthi militants have been targeting international shipping near Yemen as a demonstration of solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war.