The recent hijacking in Somalia of six (6) commercial vessels with Filipino seafarers calls for immediate precautionary action to avoid future incidents. In a meeting to address the situation attended by representatives of the manning industry, Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of the Vice-President, it is recommended that the Department of Labor and Employment advise all manning agencies of the coordinates of the secured patrol area which the commercial vessels should take to avoid possible attack by pirates in the Gulf of Aden.

Per information of the Office of the Undersecretary of Migrant Workers Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the 5th Fleet of the United States Navy confirmed with the Philippine Embassy in Manama, Bahrain that the coordinates of the maritime security patrol area are as follows:

Northern Boundary: 1230 N 045E, 1340N 49E, 1415N 50E, 1440N 53E

Southern Boundary: 1220 N 045E, 1335N 49E, 1410N 50E 1430N 53E

In this regard, all principals/employers, owners and their representatives and manning agencies employing Filipino seafarers are hereby advised to take the above mentioned coordinates to ensure safety of their vessels and crew.

FOR INFORMATION AND PROPER GUIDANCE.

Adopted: 23 Sept. 2008

(SGD.) MARIANITO D. ROQUE
Secretary