By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) on Tuesday ordered all Philippine-registered ships on international waters to implement heightened security measures amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Under MARINA Advisory No. 2026-08, all Philippine-flagged ships were also ordered to implement intensified monitoring and reporting measures.
“Shipowners, operators, managers, and manning agencies are urged to strictly observe the precautionary measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipino seafarers and the security of vessels operating in or transiting affected areas,” it said.
In particular, it enhanced situational awareness by monitoring maritime security advisories and warnings issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), and relevant flag-state authorities.
These ships were ordered to maintain a close, continuous watch on their Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) systems at all times.
It called on ships to report any incident, military activity, or suspicious approach to their ship to MARINA through the Overseas Shipping Service.
To ensure onboard security, these ships were ordered to implement heightened security protocols in accordance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, conduct security briefings for all crew members, and review and activate the appropriate ship security plan.
For crew welfare and safety, ships were ordered to properly account for all Filipino seafarers, and in cases where seafarers are distressed or require urgent assistance ashore in affected countries, they are told to immediately contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate and the Department of Migrant Workers.
On Sunday, Israel and the United States launched coordinated military strikes against Iran.
In retaliation, Iran launched missiles and drones against Israel and US bases in the Middle East, with the conflict already resulting in hundreds of deaths, including a Filipino caregiver in Israel. (PNA)
