Makati: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has intensified monitoring of Filipino seafarers aboard vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz as regional tension in the Middle East continues to escalate.
According to Philippines News Agency, this move aims to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipino seafarers on board these ships.
'As of May 25, 2026, a total of 59 vessels carrying 1,834 Filipino crew members have crossed the Strait of Hormuz from April to May this year. These include oil tankers, cargo ships, container vessels, and other commercial vessels operating within the region,' the DMW stated. The agency is currently tracking 17 vessels carrying close to 300 Filipino seafarers that may attempt to pass through the strait, one of the world's busiest and most sensitive maritime corridors.
Meanwhile, the DMW assured that it continues to coordinate with shipping companies, licensed manning agencies, and other government agencies to maintain real-time communication and provide immediate response if needed. It also assured seafarers and their families that assistance and support services remain available as authorities continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East.
'Continuous monitoring is undertaken to safeguard the welfare, safety, and security of all overseas Filipino maritime workers,' the DMW emphasized.
