Filipino seafarers are among the first to suffer when wars erupt in the Middle East and other global hotspots. Their safety, livelihood, and mental well-being are gravely affected. Thus, the government must act with urgency and sincerity to protect and support them, our modern-day heroes.
Wars at sea and around key shipping lanes threaten the lives and jobs of thousands of Filipino seafarers. Vessels are rerouted or cancelled, ports are shut down, and shipping companies become wary of employing crews from conflict-sensitive regions. Filipino workers, who make up a significant portion of the world’s maritime labor force, are left in limbo—either trapped onboard ships sailing dangerous waters or abruptly sent home jobless. Some are stranded abroad without access to their basic needs. These disruptions not only hurt the seafarers themselves but also their families, who depend on their income for survival.
These Filipino workers are not just ordinary employees. They are among the top sources of dollar remittances to the country, bolstering the national economy and sustaining millions of Filipino households. Every time a Filipino seafarer steps onto a foreign vessel, he brings in foreign exchange that strengthens the peso, fuels domestic consumption, and supports government spending through increased financial liquidity. But despite their enormous contribution, they remain one of the most vulnerable sectors in times of war and crisis.
It is unacceptable that many of them are left to fend for themselves during international conflicts. Some are caught in the crossfire of attacks on commercial ships in volatile regions like the Red Sea or the Persian Gulf, while others are unable to work because their employers have halted operations. Insurance companies may pull back, hazard pay might not be given, and legal protections are often vague. These realities demand a proactive and well-coordinated response from the government before, during, and after the outbreak of conflict.
The Department of Migrant Workers, the DFA, and other concerned agencies must closely monitor geopolitical developments and issue clear, immediate guidelines for Filipino seafarers and their families. Diplomatic pressure must be exerted to ensure their safety, and sufficient financial assistance, repatriation efforts, and mental health services must be readied. If the nation continues to rely on its overseas workers for economic survival, it must also show the political will to shield them when they are most at risk.
