DFA to look into concerns of Filipino seafarers deported from US
(Photo courtesy of DFA)
Filipino seafarers' concerns after being deported from the United States will be "carefully looked into," the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
The DFA made the assurance in a statement on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
"The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) assured a group of Filipino seafarers deported from the United States that their concerns will be carefully looked into," the department said.
According to the group, representing the International Seafarers Action Center, more than 100 Filipino seafarers have reportedly been summarily deported from the United States.
Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Ezzedin Tago, of the Office of Migration Affairs, assured them that the department will coordinate with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. to verify the reports.
The DFA also assured them that they will ensure appropriate assistance is extended to the affected nationals.
In October, the DFA said Filipino seafarers were refused entry at US ports in recent months, and assured that it is talking with the US Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security.
The Philippine Embassy in Washington then said that "the denial of entry for the concerned seafarers was done in accordance with existing US laws, regulations and policies."
Asked if diplomatic protests will be filed in relation to the issue, the DFA said it has "no further comments for now."