Twelve Filipino seafarers were confirmed safe after the vessel they were aboard was attacked in waters off Iraq.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) verified their condition following coordination with authorities and the ship’s management.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the agency received an official report from the shipowners confirming that all affected crew members were in good condition.
Aside from the 12 seafarers, the secretary also assured that more than 7,000 other Filipino crew members aboard various vessels near the Strait of Hormuz remained safe.
Following the incident, the DMW issued a fresh directive reminding Filipino seafarers of their rights.
The agency emphasized that seafarers have the option to refuse deployment on ships scheduled to pass through high‑risk areas.
Among the identified dangerous routes are the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman.
The DMW earlier declared these regions as war‑risk operations areas due to escalating tensions and ongoing conflict in the Middle East.