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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Raffy Tulfo warns Pinoy seafarers docking in US to be cautious when going online

Raffy Tulfo warns Pinoy seafarers docking in US to be cautious when going online

Published Aug 6, 2025 02:17 pm

At A Glance

  • Senator Raffy Tulfo warned Filipino seafarers docking in the U.S. to be extra cautious with their online activity after 21 were deported over alleged access to child pornography, which they deny, prompting calls for a diplomatic protest and evidence from U.S. authorities.
Senator Raffy Tulfo has issued a stern warning to Filipino seafarers aboard ships entering United States (US) territorial waters to exercise extreme caution when using their electronic devices, particularly when accessing or downloading online content.
Senator Raffy Tulfo (Senate PRIB photo)
Senator Raffy Tulfo (Senate PRIB photo)
Tulfo reminded seafarers that the U.S. maintains strict policies against child pornography, and even simply viewing or clicking on prohibited material can be detected by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Such activity, he said, may result in detention and deportation.
This advisory comes in the wake of an incident on July 21, where 21 Filipino seafarers were reportedly accused by the CBP of accessing child pornography materials. The crew members were forcibly removed in handcuffs during a raid on a cruise ship docked at the Port of Norfolk in Virginia, USA, and were subsequently deported.
According to the senator, 17 of the deported seafarers, led by Romeo Samonte Jr., reached out to his office on August 4. In a video call with the senator, the group denied the allegations against them, claiming they were victims of selective enforcement and were targeted because of their nationality.
According to the seafarers, they were arrested without the presentation of any evidence, handcuffed, and detained at the airport "as if they were criminals" before being deported.
In response, Tulfo contacted Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega to propose a government-to-government approach to address the matter. De Vega agreed to the suggestion.
Tulfo also said he would coordinate with the DFA to explore the possibility of filing a diplomatic protest. He said the protest would urge U.S. authorities to release any evidence related to the allegations. If no evidence exists, he added, the negative record imposed on the seafarers—including a 10-year ban from entering the U.S. and its territories—should be expunged.
Despite efforts to seek diplomatic remedies, Tulfo reiterated his call for vigilance.
“Be very cautious with the links you click, especially those connected to your email or other social media applications,” he said.

Related Tags

Raffy Tulfo Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) United States
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