DFA backs Magna Carta for Seafarers

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has expressed support for the enactment of the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, as the maritime industry grapples with security risks sparked by missile attacks by Yemen-based Houthi rebels on shipping in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.

A recent attack killed two Filipino seafarers and injured three others.

The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers was supposed to be one of the bills set for signing by President Marcos last month. However, the signing of the measure, which enumerates the rights and responsibilities of sea-based workers, was deferred for further review.

“Any law which will improve the lot of seafarers should be signed as soon as possible, but we fully respect the President and the legislators’ desire to improve the bill as it is but certainly we’d like to see a bill come out, a law passed,” DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said at a press briefing at Malacañang.

Dela Vega expressed hope that the measure would become a law once improvements are made.

The Magna Carta for Seafarers also aims to create mechanisms for the protection of sea-based workers’ rights and how they can find help and redress from government agencies.

It enumerates guidelines designed to provide quality education and training to all seafarers, promote their sustained global competitiveness and ensure safe and ethical recruitment and placement of seafarers, including the duties of manning agencies in monitoring the conditions of deployed personnel.

The measure is in line with the Philippines’ obligations under the Maritime Labor Convention of 2006 and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping.

Earlier this month, Houthi rebels attacked Barbados-flagged bulk carrier M/V True Confidence in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The remains of the Filipino fatalities have not been found.

Israel has expressed condolences to the families of the two Filipino sailors killed. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and the government of the Philippines for the tragic loss of two Filipino seafarers due to the fatal attack by the Iran-backed militant group Houthi in