Red Sea, Gulf of Aden's designation as 'war-like zones' get thumbs up from pro-OFW solon
At A Glance
- Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo has expressed his full backing of the decision of the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) to designate the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden as 'war-like zones' in response to continuing rebel attacks against vessels plying these routes.
Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo (Facebook)
Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo has expressed his full backing of the decision of the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) to designate the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden as ‘war-like zones’ in response to continuing rebel attacks against vessels plying these routes.
Salo, who chairs the House Committee on iOverseas Workers Affairs, is confident that the designation will discourage vessels from traversing these areas.
The veteran lawmaker commended the IBF for its proactive approach in addressing this pressing issue.
Salo said this decision will compel shipping agencies and principal owners to adopt stricter measures. These include rerouting away from the two particular seas, providing security training for seafarers, and deploying armed personnel on board.
Last March 14, Salo, along with several other legislators, filed House Resolution (HR) No. 1651, also known as "A Resolution Calling for Measures to Protect Seafarers from the Ongoing Attacks on Commercial Shipping in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea".
It was also last month when a missile strike perpetrated by Houthi rebels on the vessel M/V True Confidence resulted to the death of two Filipino crew members.
Salo, who works closely with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) says he stands united with the country and other nations in praying for an end to the conflicts in these areas and for the situation to normalize.
The Philippines is a major source of seafarers in the world.
Meanwhile, Salo hailed the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for reiterating its support for the soon-to-be-enacted Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.
“After years of hard work in Congress, the passage of this bill will be a resounding victory for Filipino seafarers. The magna carta will serve as the bible of seafarers, as exhibited in its institutionalization of crucial safeguards on rights, as well as their obligations," he said.
Key highlights of the Magna Carta include proper recognition of Filipino seafarers, ensuring their welfare, safety, and fair treatment both domestically and internationally. Additionally, the legislation institutionalizes decent working conditions and emphasizes enhanced training and education, to further strengthen the maritime industry.
It also identifies the various roles of both the public and private sectors in ensuring that the objectives of the law are fully realized.