POEA ISSUED GUIDELINES ON CONDITIONS FOR THE EXEMPTIONS FROM THE BAN ON DEPLOYMENT OF FILIPINO SEAFARERS ON BOARD VESSELS TRANSITING THE GULF OF ADEN
With the still worsening Somali pirate attacks of cargo vessels at the Gulf of Aden involving Filipino seafarers, the POEA had issued Memorandum Circular No. 12 on September 09, 2009.
This circular was issued to protect all Filipino Seafarers recruited by Foreign Ship Owners boarding their vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden.
Effective 15 days from dissemination, the additional requirements will be required by POEA from all manning agencies who will process crew contract of employment whose vessel is transiting the Gulf of Aden.
The POEA also issued Memorandum Circular No. 14 (Series of 2009) to clarify the provisions of Section 3 of Governing Board Resolution No. 04, series of 2008, Computation and Payment of the Double Wage and Benefits Due to Seafarers On Board Vessels Transiting the Gulf of Aden on September 14, 2009.
According to the report last November 14, 2009, a total of 57 Filipino seafarers are now in the hands of pirates after a Greek cargo ship, this time with 19 Filipino seafarers was hijacked in the Indian Ocean just recently
Pirates have increased their attacks since the end of the monsoon season last month. They are now holding at least 12 ships and more than 200 hostages.