The government is being urged to require all ships—both local and foreign—to install CCTV cameras in critical areas to help protect seafarers and prevent mysterious disappearances at sea.
Senator Raffy Tulfo Leads the Call for CCTV on Ships
During a Senate hearing on the cases of five missing Filipino seafarers, Senator Raffy Tulfo proposed a policy that would make it mandatory for all ships to have surveillance cameras.
🔴 “Why don’t we require ships to install CCTV? It should be a global rule under the SOLAS Convention so that all ships with seafarers must comply,” Tulfo said.
(The SOLAS Convention, or the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, sets global safety standards for ships.)
Government Agencies Support CCTV Policy
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) expressed support for Tulfo’s proposal. However, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac explained that another government agency needs to take the lead in proposing this to SOLAS for foreign-owned ships.
Cacdac assured the Senate that the DMW has long been pushing for CCTV installation on ships and will work on amending the Magna Carta for Seafarers to include this requirement.
Tulfo, determined to push the issue, committed to attend the next SOLAS Convention to advocate for his proposal.
Meanwhile, he also called on the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to require all local ships to install CCTVs. MARINA agreed to review this proposal.
The Case of Missing Seafarer Ralph Anthony Bobiles
One of the missing Filipino seafarers discussed during the hearing was Ralph Anthony Bobiles, who disappeared on December 5, 2024.
🟠 Bobiles was last seen ashore with a crewmate a day before his disappearance.
🟠 The ship captain’s report simply stated that Bobiles suddenly vanished, but the DMW is not satisfied with this explanation.
🟠 “We don’t accept that he just disappeared without further details,” Cacdac said.
Adding to the suspicion, Cacdac pointed out that when crewmates checked Bobiles’ room, they had to tear down the door—raising doubts about the official reports.
Family Demands Answers
Bobiles’ father, Ely Bobiles, attended the hearing and requested crucial documents, including:
📌 CCTV footage from the ship
📌 Audio data recording from the vessel
📌 The captain’s full incident report
📌 A copy of the 72-hour search and rescue operation
📌 Investigation reports from all relevant ports
Other Missing Filipino Seafarers
Aside from Bobiles, the Senate also discussed the cases of:
🚢 Jimbo Cadungog – Missing
🚢 Vincent San Diego – Missing
🚢 Jeric Bueno – Body recovered, currently undergoing autopsy
For the three missing seafarers, the DMW is still waiting for official reports and proper explanations from the countries where these incidents happened.
Why CCTV on Ships is a Must
With multiple Filipino seafarers mysteriously disappearing, officials believe that CCTV footage could help uncover the truth behind these cases. Surveillance cameras can:
✔️ Monitor danger zones where seafarers could fall
✔️ Provide proof in case of foul play
✔️ Help families get answers about their missing loved ones
What’s Next?
With the Senate, DMW, and MARINA now discussing CCTV installation on ships, there is hope that new safety policies will be introduced soon.
Senator Tulfo’s strong push for a global CCTV rule under the SOLAS Convention could be the key to protecting Filipino seafarers worldwide and preventing more unexplained disappearances.
