Pasay city: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has announced it will investigate reports of Filipino seafarers allegedly facing discrimination and deportation from the United States without due process or access to legal counsel. The DFA has committed to coordinating with relevant government offices to ensure that the affected nationals receive appropriate assistance.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DFA’s commitment came after a picket dialogue organized by members of the International Seafarers Action Center (ISAC) outside the DFA office in Pasay City. The group, consisting of Filipino seafarers, is advocating for justice on behalf of cruise ship workers who have reportedly been deported.

The DFA cited information from ISAC indicating that over 100 Filipino seafarers have been detained and deported from the United States. These seafarers were met by Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Ezzedin Tago of the DFA Office of Migration Affairs, who assured them that their concerns would be addressed with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.

ISAC is appealing for the government to file a diplomatic protest against the US and provide full legal and financial support to the affected seafarers.