DMW-ADVISORY-48-2026 — es of 2026 BAGONG PILIPINAS Reiteration of relative DMW Issuances on the Observance of the designated HighRisk and Warlike Zones, Right to Refuse Sailing, and Reportorial Requirements

Republic of the Philippines Mepartment ot Aliarant Morkers

Blas F. Ople Building, Ortigas Avenue cor. EDSA, Mandaluyong City 1550

TAHANANN OC Websitewww.dmw.gov.ph.L Email.:[email protected] l Hotlin es: 8722 1152.8722 1155.8822 1159.8724 3669 BACONG PILIPINAS

ADVISORY NO.4 8

Series of 2026

Reiteration of relative DMW Issuances on the Observance of the designated High. Risk and Warlike Zones, Right to Refuse Sailing, and Reportorial Requirements

the safety, security, and welfare of all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), including the seafarers' right to refuse sailing in accordance with existing laws, rules, and Filipino seafarers, and in view of the increasing number of reported attacks against merchant vessels with Filipino crew members transiting the Black Sea, all Licensed Manning Agencies (LMAs) and their accredited principals/employers are hereby sternly reminded to strictly comply with all existing DMW issuances governing the deploymeni and protection of Filipino seafarers in designated High Risk and Warlike Areas. This includes the strict observance of policies on the designated High Risk and Warlike Zones regulations, and the timely submission of all required reports and notifications to the In line with the mandate of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to uphold

Department.

In particular, the concerned are hereby reminded to observe the following directives:

Department Order No. 01, Series of 2024 on the observance of the International Bargaining Forum(IBF)/International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) High-Risk and Warlike Zones and implementation of the Right to Refuse Sailing for Seafarers;

Department Order No. 03, Series of 2024 on the deployment of Filipino seafarers' on-board ships which traversed through the IBF/ITF designated high-risk and warlike zones which have been attacked;

Advisory No.21, Series of 2025 on the reiteration of DMW issuances on the urgent rerouting of ships with Filipino crew in high-risk and warlike areas

right to refuse sailing, and the appointment of a Seafarers' Welfare and Crisis Management Officer (SWACO);

Periodic issuances on the updated list of IBF/ITF High-Risk and Warlike Areas; and

Other applicable issuances and guidelines.

LMAs and their accredited principals/employers are likewise directed to implement

traverse designated high-risk or warlike zones, especially in the Black Sea: the following precautions for seafarers' on-board vessels that are scheduled or intends to

Conduct of Risk Assessment prior to the vessel's entry into or transit through the Black Sea.

DEPARTMENT OF MIGRANT WORKERS eneral Services Divisior Administrative Servic 3

Date: July 27, 2026 RECEIVED By:RICHIE M.GUEVARRA Time: 11:00 A.M By: DMW General Services Division on _July 27, 2026 CONTROLLED AND DISSEMINATED

2. No Filipino seafarer shall be deployed to any vessel scheduled to enter or

transit the Black Sea War/High-Risk Area without the seafarer's voluntary written consent, executed after being fully informed of the prevailing security situation and the risks involved;

3. Honor the refusal of seafarers to continue sailing in said risk zones and

ensure their immediate repatriation and provision of proper compensation/benefits. No seafarer who validly exercises such right shall be subjected to discrimination, retaliation, intimidation, blacklisting, or any other adverse employment action.

4 Provide appropriate security measures, protocols, and contingencies to limit

risks and adverse effects of their intended passage as well as faithfully observe and provide proper compensation/benefits for those who have expressed consent;

5. Full compliance with internationally recognized maritime security measures

including the implementation of ship security-plans, emergency response protocols, and other protective measures consistent with applicable international maritime regulations and industry best practices.

6. All concerned LMAs shall immediately notify the Department through the [email protected], of any vessel carrying Filipino seafarers that is scheduled to enter, transit, or operate within the Black Sea. The report shall include the vessel's itinerary, estimated period of transit, number of Filipino DMW Overseas Workers Monitoring System (OWMS), copy furnished at

crew members on board, the security measures adopted by the principal with existing DMW issuances. and the status of each seafarer's consent or refusal to sail in accordance

Concerned LMAs shall ensure the continuous monitoring of all deployed Filipino seafarers intending to pass through, transiting, or operating within the Black Sea, and maintain close coordination with their accredited principals, vessel masters, and the Department to facilitate the timely

concerns exchange of information and appropriate response to emerging security

8. LMAs shall immediately report to the Department, through the DMW

Overseas Workers Monitoring System (OWMS), copy furnished at [email protected], any significant security incident or development affecting Filipino seafarers deployed in the Black Sea, including, but not limited to, missile attacks, drone attacks, detention, piracy or armed attacks,

report shall include the actions undertaken by the principal or employer to casualties, injuries, missing persons, or any other emergency situation. The

safeguard the affected seafarers and mitigate the impact of the incident.

reporting channels until the welfare and disposition of all affected Filipino The concerned LMA shall provide continuous updates through the same

seafarers have been fully addressed; and

CONTROLLED AND DISSEMINATED Page 2 of 3 By: DMW General Services Division on _July 27, 2026

9. Following the report to the Department under the preceding paragraph, the incident, emergency, or casualty involving the seafarer. The LMA shall provide timely, accurate, and verified information on the seafarer's concerned LMA, in coordination with its accredited principal or employer shall immediately notify the seafarer's designated next of kin of any security with the Department in extending the necessary welfare assistance. In condition, maintain regular communication with the family, and coordinate

cases involving death, missing persons, or serious injury, the concerned LMA shall continue to coordinate with the Department and the seafarer's family until all appropriate interventioris, including repatriation, post-incident assistance, or other necessary arrangements, have been completed.

under existing laws, rules, and regulations, including but not limited to the suspension or cancellation of LMA's license and employer's accreditation. Any violation of the foregoing directives shall be subject to appropriate sanctions

For the information, guidance, and strict compliance of all concerned.

HANS LEO'J.CACDAC Secretary

2 4 Juy 2026

CONTROLLED AND DISSEMINATED Page 3 of 3 By: DMW General Services Division on _July 27, 2026