By Marita Moaje
MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has pledged full support to the family of a Filipino seafarer who was reported missing after their tugboat was struck by a missile in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a news release Tuesday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cadac said the DMW is already in touch with the seafarer’s family.
“Our team a few days ago had already visited the family’s home and assured them of our full support during these difficult times while we await the results of the search and rescue at sea,” Cacdac said.
Reports said the missing Filipino seafarer was aboard a UAE‑registered tugboat identified as Musaffah2 sent to assist the Malta‑flagged container ship Safeen Prestige that was stranded near the Strait of Hormuz on March 6, after it was struck by a missile two days earlier.
The tugboat, identified as Musaffah 2, was said to have been hit by at least two projectiles, caught fire, and later sank.
Cacdac said the crew members from the distressed vessel were reported safe. However, one Filipino crew member from the assisting tugboat was reported missing.
The DMW said it has monitored at least 6,400 Filipino seafarers on vessels in the region, and marked safe.
Cacdac said the department continues to track ships carrying Filipino crew near the Strait of Hormuz.
On Sunday, Cacdac issued DMW Advisory No. 11, series of 2026, which aligns with the Warlike Operations Area Committee (WOAC) of the International Bargaining Forum (IBF), declaring the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman as “Warlike Operations Areas”.
Under the advisory, the DMW reminds Filipino seafarers of their right to refuse sailing to areas classified as high-risk and war-like.
It also requires shipowners to implement enhanced security measures and provide proper compensation and benefits for crews operating in or affected by conflict conditions.
International Maritime Organization Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez earlier expressed alarm about the deadly attack, calling it “unacceptable and unsustainable.”
“All parties and stakeholders have an obligation to take necessary measures to ensure the protection of seafarers, including their rights and well-being, and the freedom of navigation, in accordance with international law,” Dominguez said.
He said around 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, “on board ships under heightened risk and considerable mental strain.” (PNA)
