MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced on Friday that all reported cases of abandoned Filipino seafarers have been successfully resolved, with the individuals now safely repatriated to the Philippines.
During a press briefing, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac underscored the department’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), particularly seafarers who find themselves in precarious situations abroad. This proactive stance is bolstered by the recently amended Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), adopted by the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) International Labour Conference (ILC).
Cacdac stated, “We are not strangers to pushing for protecting seafarers caught in abandonment situations,” emphasizing the DMW’s role in monitoring and addressing these issues.
Under the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in 2024, the DMW, in collaboration with the Maritime Industry Authority, has established comprehensive protections against abandonment, detailing specific provisions in its implementing rules and regulations (IRR).
The DMW reported a staggering 373 cases of abandoned Filipino seafarers from January to December 2024, reflecting the growing challenges faced by these workers. Among the latest to return were three crew members of the Team Porter, a salvaged vessel operating under a German flag.
Cacdac explained that abandonment is not limited to physical desertion; it also encompasses scenarios where a shipowner unilaterally terminates ties with a seafarer or fails to meet contractual obligations, such as withholding wages for over two months.
Since 2018, the DMW has documented a total of 1,035 cases of abandoned Filipino seafarers across various types of vessels, including fishing boats, passenger ships, and bulk carriers. Recent reports from DMW’s Migrant Workers Offices highlighted cases involving the Panamanian bulk carriers MV Atheras and Buenaventura, both of which have reportedly compensated their crews for January 2025. Additionally, the passenger ship MV Gemini has seen all crew members repatriated as of February 20, 2025, while the bulk carrier MV Manticor has also returned its crew safely and ensured their salaries were paid in full.
Cacdac reaffirmed the DMW’s unwavering commitment to protecting seafarers’ rights, stating, “We do not hesitate to penalize licensed manning agencies and shipowners who are involved in abandonment situations.” This firm stance underscores the department’s dedication to ensuring that Filipino seafarers receive the benefits and protections they are entitled to while navigating the complexities of working abroad.
As the DMW continues to tackle the issue of seafarer abandonment, the plight of these workers remains a critical concern, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and advocacy in the maritime sector.
