Stricter rules for seafarers sought

A PHILIPPINE Senator on Thursday is calling for stricter rules against the deployment of Filipino seafarers in high-risk routes, following the kidnapping of nine Filipino seafarers.

In a statement, Senator Rafael T. Tulfo, the Committee Chief of Migrant Workers, said that he is planning to conduct a Senate hearing to review and formulate necessary new policies and regulations for the deployment of Filipino seafarers to high-risk zones.

“There should be mandatory security assessments on hazardous routes, and whether it is necessary to implement a total deployment ban in areas that pose a high threat to the lives and safety of our seafarers,” he added.

This comes after the Philippine government confirmed that nine Filipino seafarers were being held captive by Houthi rebels in Yemen. Their ship, the MV Eternity C, was attacked and sank by the rebels last July 8.

Earlier, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said that the agency has yet to receive demands in exchange for the Filipino seafarers, as all negotiations are being handled by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

He also confirmed that three of the crew members died during the attack in early July. — Adrian H. Halili