Red Sea, Gulf of Aden eyed as warlike zones

Amid escalating conflict and the recent death of two Filipino seafarers in a Houthi rebel missile attack, the Philippine government is strongly pushing for the declaration of the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as a warlike zone.

- MAYEN JAYMALIN

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) officer-in-charge Hans Cacdac said from the current high-risk zone, the Philippine government is recommending to the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) to heighten the risk level of Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

At a virtual press briefing on Wednesday, Cacdac noted that the IBF is already discussing at this time the flashpoint declaration.

The Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden being declared warlike zone means that ship owners are strongly encouraged to divert voyages and avoid passing these areas.

According to Cacdac, the DMW will come out within the week with implementing guidelines urging ship owners to divert voyages and avoid the sea lane.