In compliance with the directive issued today by her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to ensure the safety and security of our Filipino seafarers on board ships irrespective of flag plying the vicinity of the war zone, and in order to avoid unwarranted confusion and disarray in the evacuation, the following precautionary measures are hereby adopted.

1. Filipino seafarers on board ships (regardless of Flag) which are within the vicinity of the war zone shall be advised to take all necessary precautions and shall accordingly advise the nearest Philippine Embassy/Consulate of their need for assistance as may be warranted.

2. All Filipino seafarers on board Philippine-flagged ships who are within the war zone shall when requested for assistance by OFWs render such assistance including evacuation taking into consideration the safety and welfare of both crew and OFWs.

For strict compliance.

Adopted: 20 March 2003

(SGD.) OSCAR M. SEVILLA
Administrator