MANILA – Great news! All abandoned Filipino seafarers who were stranded on ships across the world have now been rescued and brought back to the Philippines, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
DMW Ensures Protection for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
During a press briefing on Friday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac assured the public that the DMW is committed to protecting Filipino seafarers who face abandonment. He emphasized that the Philippines follows international rules under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), a law that protects the rights of seafarers worldwide.
“We have always fought for the safety and rights of Filipino seafarers,” Cacdac said.
How Does the Government Help Abandoned Seafarers?
In 2024, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, which includes stronger rules and protections for seafarers facing abandonment. The DMW and the Maritime Industry Authority now work together to monitor and help stranded seafarers anywhere in the world.
The DMW tracked a total of 373 cases of abandoned Filipino seafarers from January to December 2024, showing how serious the issue is. But thanks to government efforts, they have been successfully rescued and repatriated (brought back home safely).
The Latest Rescued Seafarers
The most recent seafarers to be repatriated were three Filipino crew members from the Team Porter, a ship sailing under the German flag that was rescued and salvaged.
What Counts as “Abandonment”?
Seafarers can be abandoned in different ways—not just by being left behind on a ship. According to Cacdac, a seafarer is considered abandoned if:
✅ The shipowner cuts off contact with the seafarer for at least two months.
✅ The seafarer does not receive their salary for at least two months.
Past Cases of Abandoned Seafarers
From 2018 to 2024, the DMW recorded a shocking 1,035 cases of abandoned Filipino seafarers on different types of vessels, including:
🛳 Passenger ships
⚓ Fishing boats
🚢 Yachts
📦 Bulk carriers (big cargo ships)
Some of the recent ships where Filipino seafarers were stranded include:
🔹 MV Atheras and MV Buenaventura (Panamanian bulk carriers) – Paid their crew in January 2025.
🔹 MV Gemini (Passenger ship) – All crew safely returned home by February 20, 2025.
🔹 MV Manticor (Bulk carrier) – Crew repatriated with full salaries paid.
🔹 Team Porter – Latest ship where Filipino crew members were rescued.
DMW Cracks Down on Shipowners Who Abandon Seafarers
Cacdac made it clear that the DMW will not tolerate shipowners and manning agencies that fail to pay or abandon their Filipino workers. The agency is ready to punish and penalize those who break the law.
“Protecting our seafarers is our top priority, and we will take action against those responsible for abandoning them,” Cacdac said.
With all abandoned Filipino seafarers now safely home, the DMW continues its mission to ensure better protection, fair treatment, and safe working conditions for Filipino workers at sea! 🚢💙
