Amosup calls for urgent measures in dangerous waters
Reiterates urgent call to enact Magna Carta of Filipino seafarers
THE Associated Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (Amosup) called for a concerted effort to secure the welfare of seafarers in high-risk areas.
Amosup, the largest and widely recognized seafarers’ union in the country and the local affiliate of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), said that the unfortunate event involving MV True Confidence recently underscores the need to safeguard the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers braving the high seas.
Two Filipino seafarers died while several crew members were injured when the vessel— bound for Jeddah, KSA, from China carrying trucks and steel products — was attacked by Houthi rebels recently.
“We in Amosup condemn in the strongest possible terms the senseless attack by the Houthi rebels, which resulted in the death of two innocent Filipino seafarers,” Amosup said in a statement released over the weekend.
“We call on all maritime stakeholders and concerned United Nations organizations and government agencies to work together with the end of providing not only immediate assistance to surviving families but also taking necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of our seafarers,” Amosup said.
“Concerted efforts must also be made by the industry so that this kind of tragedy will not happen again,” it added.
The union said the Magna Carta of Filipino seafarers, pending before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., would provide ample protection and assistance to all seafarers as it guarantees that shipowners and manning agents will honor their commitments and liabilities in such cases.
President Marcos had directed the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Migrant Workers, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Department of Health to provide the necessary assistance to the affected parties and mandated the Department of Social Welfare and Development to assist the victims.
Amosup will provide free legal assistance to affected seafarers to ensure that their rights are protected and that the shipowners and manning agents will honor their liabilities.
“We reiterate our call to the authorities to urgently address the situation in the Red Sea and to intensify efforts to protect all seafarers who are key essential workers keeping the unhampered flow of the global supply chain,” Amosup said.