PH welcomes IBF’s high-risk area designation in Red Sea

DMW OIC Hans Leo Cacdac . (Lyn Rillon/Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) welcomed the decision of the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) to designate the southern section of the Red Sea and the Bab El-Mandeb Strait leading into the Gulf of Aden as a High-Risk Area on Dec. 22.

The DMW, on Dec. 23, described this as a “swift response” by the IBF to the threats faced by Filipino seafarers in the area.

“We commend the IBF’s swift response to increased threats to the safety and well-being of Filipino seafarers in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden,” DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo Cacdac said.

In November, a vessel with two Filipino seafarers aboard was the target of a hijacking attempt in the Gulf of Aden, but they were unharmed, according to the DMW.

On Dec. 16, a vessel carrying 15 Filipino seafarers was attacked by the Yemeni rebel group Houthi in the same area, but all were safe.

Cacdac added that the department will ensure the safety of Filipino seafarers.

“We assure Filipino seafarers and their families that the DMW is committed to their safety and will continue to work tirelessly to protect their rights and welfare,” he added.

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