The Philippine Embassy in Beijing has reported the alarming rise of smuggling in China, which continues to escalate despite the Chinese Government's intensified crackdown on smugglers in 1991.

But more disturbing is the report that more often than not, Filipinos and nationals of Indonesia, Burma, Thailand and Bangladesh, form the crew of vessels transporting contraband goods such as cigarettes and video devices (TVs and video recorders) which are highly dutiable items in China.

Relative thereto, the Administration is gravely concerned about the lengthy procedure of investigation or detention period the apprehended crew have to go through; and the lucrative pay smuggling operators offer including hefty bonuses for "successful missions," which lure seamen, especially Filipinos, to join the smuggling syndicates.

To protect our overseas manpower export program from this perennial menace and prevent our overseas workers, particularly our seafarers, from becoming the easy preys of international syndicates, a campaign against this dubious activity through the pre-departure orientation (PDO) program is deemed in order.

All licensed agencies/entities, particularly manning/crewing agencies, are therefore directed to focus emphasis on the evils and ill effects of all forms of smuggling.  The grave consequences arising therefrom and penalties imposed therefor, pursuant to the Revised POEA Standard Contract for Overseas Filipino Seamen, particularly Item No. 1 (a) to (h) of Appendix 2, must be emphasized during the orientation briefings.

The provisions of this Memo Circular and Nos. 36, Series of 1989 and 35, Series of 1990, shall henceforth from part of the program contents of the regular and supplemental PDO for overseas contract workers.

For the information and strict compliance of all concerned.

Adopted: 25 Mar. 1992