SEPT.

4, 2011

NR # 2516

Solon urges shipping firms to increase the salary of Filipino seafarers sailing in high-risk zones
A lawmaker today urged the owners of foreign shipping companies to increase the basic salary, overtime pay and benefits of Filipino seafarers who are sailing within the declared high-risk zones in the Gulf of Aden. Rep. Emmeline Aglipay (Party-list, DIWA), author of House Resolution 147, urged the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to appeal the plight of the Filipino seafarers with shipping companies concerned. Our government through POEA should discuss the matter with the shipping companies who are employing Filipinos in these dangerous routes. An undetermined numbers of Filipinos were already kidnapped by Somali pirates in the area, Aglipay said. Aglipay said shipping companies should double the amount of compensation and benefits of Filipino seafarers in case of death, injury or illness while sailing within those areas. Only those Filipino seafarers who become victims of pirate attacks in high risk zones are entitled to these benefits, Aglipay said. The surge in piracy in the Gulf of Aden has suddenly turned it into one of the most dangerous passages in the world, according to Aglipay. Aglipay also called for a House investigation on the recent killing of Filipino crewmen on board ships en-route to destinations that pass the Gulf of Aden. Congress should likewise review the countrys piracy laws for the protection of all Filipino seafarers against sea piracy including those travelling in areas classified as nonhigh risk areas, Aglipay added. Aglipay said Christopher Cortez Cepado was among the 17 Filipino crewmembers on the chemical tanker M/T Sea King that was attacked by heavily armed pirates on May 7, 2011 in Republic of Benin located in West Africa. Aglipay said the pirates looted and ransacked the vessels equipment and even took the personal effects of crewmembers while the ship was in the port of Cotonou in Benin. Aglipay took note of the increased pirate attacks in Cotonou, Benin. She said six of the eight raids occurred in May 2011 alone. Of the eight attacks, four vessels were

highjacked while two were boarded by pirates who robbed the ship and crew of property, and in some cases, of cargo. Aglipay said prior to the incident involving the M/T Sea King, the German owned M/V Beluga Nomination was also highjacked by Somali pirates 390 nautical miles north of Port Victoria in the Seychelles on January 22, 2011. The M/V Beluga bearing the flag of Antigua and Barbuda was released on April 13, 2011, or three months after the ransom of $5 million had been paid. A certain Farolito Vallega, a Filipino crewman of the M/V Beluga, was shot and killed by the Somali pirates as two anti-piracy naval patrol vessels attempted a rescue mission on January 26, 2011, while another Filipino crewman remains missing after jumping overboard during the rescue operation. The International Chamber of Commerce said there have already been 248 attacks with 28 vessels highjacked worldwide in 2011 alone, Aglipay said. Citing the figures of the International Maritime Bureau, Aglipay said there are currently over 700 hostages being held in over 30 vessels. (30) jy