The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has again urged shipowners and licensed manning agencies to avoid sending vessels through high-risk and warlike areas, including parts of the Black Sea, to help protect Filipino seafarers.

According to DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, the agency has recorded an increase in security incidents in the Black Sea, an area classified by the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) as a High Risk/Warlike Area. As of July 20, 2026, the DMW reported that nine vessels carrying Filipino seafarers had allegedly been affected by drone attacks while sailing or while docked at ports in Ukraine and Russia.

The DMW reminded shipowners to reroute vessels whenever possible to avoid dangerous areas. If a voyage to a high-risk area cannot be avoided, the agency said seafarers must be informed of the risks before departure and must be given the right to refuse to sail. If they choose to continue the voyage, their consent should be properly documented.

The department also stressed that Filipino seafarers who decide not to sail to high-risk areas should not face discrimination or lose future job opportunities. They should also receive the benefits provided under existing rules, including proper compensation and free repatriation when applicable.

The DMW said it continues to closely monitor the situation in the Black Sea while coordinating with concerned government agencies and maritime stakeholders to strengthen the protection of Filipino seafarers. The agency is also providing assistance to affected seafarers and their families, including medical care, psychosocial support, assessments, and repatriation arrangements.